AL NASSR
Cristiano poised for first silverware with Al Nassr
The Portuguese striker scored the only goal of the semi-final against Al Shorta and as they advance to the final of the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Al Nassr are in the final of the 2023 Arab Cub Champions Cup where they will meet Riyadh rivals Al Hilal on Saturday night. Al-Alami were made to work hard for their final berth as they struggled to break down Iraq’s Al Shorta despite fielding the likes of Cristiano, Mané, Brozovic or Fofana.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 75th minute as Senegalese striker Sadio Mané was clipped inside the Al Shorta box and after a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot which the veteran Portuguese converted calmly which ensued a rendition with his trademark celebration towards the corner flag.
Al Hilal prevail
The other semi-final saw an all Saudi Pro League affair as Al Hilal overcame Al Shabab 3-1 despite the Riyadh outfit being reduced to ten men after 25 minutes when keeper Al Maiouf was dismissed.
Cristiano Ronaldo is now on the cusp of claiming his first silverware with the Saudi side since his big money move to Riyadh in January 2023 but a stern tests awaits in the final with Al Hilal getting the better in recent meetings between the two Roshn Pro League giants.