AFC Champions League Elite
The Riyad-based side, who have already secured their knockout stage spot, bounced back in style after the Matchday Six defeat to Qatar’s Al Sadd with Ronaldo’s double coming after Ali Alhassan had given them the lead. Substitute Mohammed Al Fatil netted their fourth late in the game.
Al Nassr showed their intent as early as the third minute when Ronaldo, who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, sent an inviting cross into the box for the newly-signed Jhon Duran, who just failed to connect from inside the box.
The five-time Ballon d'or winner gave the Emiratis a scare seven minutes later when he received the ball at the edge of the box from an Al Wasl turnover before rattling the crossbar.
UAE’s Al Wasl almost caught Al Nassr out moments later when a long ball from keeper Anas Zniti bounced into the path of Ali Saleh, leaving Bento to take evasive action to deny the forward.
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Al Nassr continued to drive forward and their high-pressing game was rewarded in the 25th minute after Alhassan unleashed a piledriver from 25 yards which sailed past Zniti and into the bottom corner of the net.
The Saudi Pro League side could have doubled their tally three minutes later when Sultan Al Ghannam sent a perfect cross to Ali Lajami, whose header forced Zniti into a brilliant save.
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Al Wasl fell, however, found themselves further behind in the 43rd minute after Salem Al Azizi conceded a penalty for a handball, with Ronaldo sending Zniti the wrong way from the spot.
The Emiratis returned from the break more aggressive with Alexis Perez threatening from distance in the 47th minute, before Majid Surour saw his effort saved by Bento in the 54th minute with Nicolas Gimenez also failing to find the target from inside the area.
Al Wasl brought in Caio Canedo at the 69th minute mark, but it failed to stop Al Nassr as Ronaldo struck the third in the 78th minute with a towering header off Sadio Mane’s cross.
Al Fatil then made it 4-0 with a glancing header in the 88th minute to cap the comprehensive victory.
Al Nassr will face Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis on Matchday Eight, while Al Wasl take on four-time winners Al Hilal SFC.
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