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Cristiano Ronaldo reacted on social media after Al-Nassr defeated Istiklol 4-0 in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage to secure a spot in the knockout round. The Portuguese legend was not part of the squad that traveled to Tajikistan, as Jorge Jesus decided to give him rest ahead of the upcoming clashes.
Against Istiklol, Joao Felix broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Mohamed Simakan doubled Al-Nassr's lead in the 40th minute, courtesy of Ali Al-Hassan's assist. Sadio Mane netted the third goal for the Saudi giants (84') while Ayman Ahmed sealed the victory for the Knights of Najd with his strike in the added time (90+2').
With five wins in five games in the group stage so far, Al-Nassr are at the top of Group D with 15 points. The Knights of Najd have also officially qualified for the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League 2. Sharing his club's social media post on his Instagram story, Cristiano Ronaldo added a fire and a clap emoji.
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been rested for all the AFC Champions League 2 fixtures this season, where Al-Nassr have scored 17 goals and conceded only one. The Knights of Najd will face Al-Zawraa in their last group-stage fixture on December 24.
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo escapes FIFA World Cup ban following red card against Ireland
Cristiano Ronaldo, who received a red card during Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland on November 13, will be available to play for the Selecao das Quinas at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Al-Nassr captain was sent off for elbowing Ireland's Dara O'Shea. The 40-year-old was initially shown a yellow card by referee Glenn Nyberg, but it was later changed to red after a review.
According to the BBC, FIFA's disciplinary committee took into consideration Cristiano Ronaldo's record of not receiving a red card in 225 international appearances. However, the committee can still ban Ronaldo for two more matches "if he commits any infringement of a similar nature and gravity in the probationary period."
The 40-year-old served his one-match suspension as he missed Portugal's 9-1 victory over Armenia on November 16. Thus, the former Real Madrid attacker would be free to join Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
