Al Nassr Secures Spot in AFC Champions League Last 16 Despite 10-Man Draw with Persepolis
Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia clinched a spot in the AFC Champions League knockout stages as Group E leaders, following a goalless draw with Persepolis despite being a man down early on.
With 13 points and an insurmountable lead, they knocked Al Duhail out of the competition. Al Nassr was without top scorer Talisca but persisted in attack, with Ronaldo's penalty appeal being dismissed after VAR review.
Despite Laporte and Ronaldo's attempts, Persepolis' Beiranvand kept a clean sheet. The match intensified after Al Nassr's Lajami was sent off in the 17th minute.
Although Persepolis controlled the game, Al Nassr held firm, and Ronaldo came close to scoring. Persepolis had a goal annulled for offside, and Al Nassr's keeper made a critical save. Injured Ronaldo was substituted, and the match ended in a draw, securing Al Nassr's advancement.