Al Nassr faltered in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, kicking off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw towards Al Shorta in Baghdad.
The Saudi membership’s captain, Ronaldo, missed the match as a result of a viral an infection, as introduced by the workforce a day earlier.
Despite a promising begin for Al Nassr, who have been eradicated by eventual champions Al Ain in final season’s quarterfinals, they managed to take the lead early on.
Full-back Sultan Al Ghannam capitalized on Otavio’s exact, first-time go within the 14th minute, sliding the ball previous Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
However, the hosts drew degree 10 minutes later. A combination-up on the again between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta ahead Mohammed Dawood to steal in and ship an outstanding effort excessive previous Bento within the Al Nassr objective.
Meanwhile, fellow Saudi facet Al Ahli eked out a 1-0 victory at house towards Iran’s Persepolis in Jeddah, with new recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian soccer debut.
Ivory Coast worldwide Franck Kessie set the house facet on their approach within the second minute, rifling house from Riyad Mahrez’s help.
Persepolis have been awarded a penalty 4 minutes earlier than halftime when Merih Demiral was deemed to have dedicated a foul inside the world; nevertheless, the choice was overturned following a VAR evaluation.
In the second half, Toney gained Al Ahli a spot-kick of their very own when he was fouled by rival defender Hossein Kanani, however Mahrez’s penalty was nicely saved by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.
England worldwide Toney, a high-profile signing from Premier League membership Brentford late final month, missed a golden alternative to open his account 5 minutes from time however dragged his shot vast.
He had made his debut for Al Ahli final Friday.
Elsewhere, Al Ain started their title protection with a 1-1 draw at house towards Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Akram Afif, 2019 Asian Footballer of the Year and participant of the match on the Asian Cup earlier this yr, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the hour.
But Al Ain earned some extent 10 minutes from time by Argentine Matias Palacios.
In Monday’s different match, Iran’s Esteghlal defeated Qatari facet Al Gharafa 3-0.
The new format options 24 groups – 12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia. Each membership will play 4 matches at house and 4 away, with the highest eight in either side of the draw advancing to the knockout phases early subsequent yr.
Source: www.dailysabah.com