RIYADH (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are cruising into the Asian Champions League quarter-finals in awesome fashion! After winning the first leg 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ronaldo nine minutes from time, Nassr took care of business against their Saudi Arabian rivals Al Fayha.
The game was played at Al Awwal Park, and Nassr struck first on the 17th minute through Portuguese winger Otavio, who headed home his second goal in as many games for the club! His compatriot Ronaldo worked hard but had some close calls, including denied penalty appeals and a disallowed goal, but he wouldn't be denied. With just minutes left in the match, Ronaldo pounced on a through ball and tapped in a goal to seal the 2-0 win and 3-0 aggregate victory!
It was Ronaldo's amazing 10th goal in his last nine matches for Nassr. The soccer legend is now competing for the first time in the Asian Champions League after huge success in Europe winning five UEFA Champions Leagues titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Nassr will face fellow semifinalists Al Ain in the next round, in what's sure to be an epic two-legged matchup!
In other West Asian action, 2003 champions Al Ain staged an incredible comeback victory against Nasaf Qarshi. Down a goal in the second half, Al Ain struck twice in stoppage time including a dramatic winner to advance on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline. They'll hope to recapture championship form and make another deep run in the tournament!
Making his managerial debut, Harry Kewell led Yokohama F-Marinos to a thrilling win and quarterfinal spot as well. After a tight 3-2 aggregate victory over Bangkok United, Kewell and Yokohama will look to shock China's Shandong Taishan next. Kewell's coaching career is off to a great start after his standout playing days with Liverpool and Australia.
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