Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League campaign began with a bruising night in the United Arab Emirates, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s side were beaten 4-0 by Al-Ain in their opening match of the 2026/27 competition.
Al-Ain overwhelm Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Asian opener
In Al-Ain, the hosts found their rhythm through the Moroccan Rahimi brothers. Houssine Rahimi scored twice, while Soufiane Rahimi contributed a goal and later supplied the pass for Giorgos Giakoumakis to complete the four-goal victory.
Ronaldo was limited to three attempts across the evening and did not create a clear opening until stoppage time. His late free-kick looked destined for the right corner, but goalkeeper Khalid Eisa reached it to preserve Al-Ain’s clean sheet.
The defeat delays a more comfortable return to domestic matters for Al-Nassr. Ronaldo, now 21 goals short of the 1,000-goal mark in his career, is scheduled to resume his Saudi league season against Diriyah on 9 October.
Before then, attention will turn to Portugal. Jorge Jesus is due to name his first squad as Portugal coach on Friday, ahead of a UEFA Nations League window that begins at home to Wales on 24 September. Portugal then travel to Norway three days later and finish the programme away to Denmark on 1 October.
Jesus has already made clear that he intends to include Ronaldo in his plans. The forward, meanwhile, has confirmed only that his most recent World Cup was his last, leaving considerable interest around whether he will be selected for the coming Nations League matches.
SEO Title: Al-Ain 4-0 Al-Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Asian Champions League campaign starts with heavy defeat
SEO Description: Al-Nassr suffered a 4-0 defeat to Al-Ain in their 2026/27 Asian Champions League opener as Houssine Rahimi scored twice and Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet.
