Castro did not hold back on his praise after the thrilling win at the Khalifa International Stadium.

 

"I congratulate the players for this win, and the fourth win means a lot to me after playing so many matches recently,

 

"I am very happy to be working with such a group of players, and all these results are because of the work of the whole group," said Castro. 

Even a draw from their remaining two matches could be enough for Al Nassr to confirm top spot in the group, with Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis FC five points adrift in second place.  

 

"What you see is a result of the work of everyone in the club, and we have very clever players who can manage the recovery process in a good way.

 

"The focus now is to maintain our good work."

Defeat meant Al Duhail have no hope of advancing to the Round of 16, having made the semi-finals for the first time last season.

 

"The match was difficult although we started in a good way and managed to score first, but after that we lost the organisation and failed to keep the ball, which gave Al Nassr the chance to come back in the match and score, as they used the individual abilities of their players.

 

"With only one point, I think our hopes are weak now," said Al Duhail head coach Christophe Galtier.