Cristiano Ronaldo lands in Dubai with Al Nassr ahead of AFC Champions League Clash against Al Wasl
UAE club eyes home advantage in high-profile encounter
DUBAI – The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Dubai has set the stage for one of the most anticipated football fixtures in the region, as Al Nassr FC prepare to face Al Wasl FC in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Two.
The Portuguese forward arrived with the squad on Saturday, with the club sharing training images that offered a glimpse into their preparations ahead of the knockout clash.
The match is scheduled to take place at Zabeel Stadium at 6pm UAE time, where both sides will compete for a place in the semi-finals. With continental progression on the line, the fixture carries added significance, combining regional rivalry with the intensity of knockout football.
From Riyadh to Dubai
Al Nassr’s social media channels highlighted Ronaldo’s involvement in training sessions following the team’s arrival, underlining his readiness for the decisive encounter. The images showed a focused squad building momentum ahead of the match, reflecting the importance of the tie in their campaign.
The Saudi club enter the quarter-finals in strong form, having recently recorded a 2-0 victory over Al Akhdoud in domestic competition. The result marked their 14th consecutive league win, the longest winning streak in the club’s history. Ronaldo opened the scoring in that match with a close-range finish, continuing his consistent run in front of goal this season.
Ronaldo in Dubai
Ronaldo’s presence in Dubai has generated widespread attention, with fans across the UAE closely following developments ahead of the match. His performances remain central to Al Nassr’s attacking approach, with the forward contributing 24 league goals so far this season.
Each appearance by the Portuguese international continues to draw significant interest, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as this quarter-final. His experience in major competitions adds an extra layer of focus to Al Nassr’s campaign as they aim to progress further in the tournament.
Al Wasl vs Al Nassr
For Al Wasl, the fixture represents an opportunity to assert their standing on the continental stage. The Dubai-based club, an eight-time UAE league champion, will rely on home support and familiarity with conditions at Zabeel Stadium to challenge their opponents.
Al Wasl also carry a notable historical profile, having been coached by Diego Maradona during the 2011–2012 season. Their legacy in UAE football adds further context to the encounter, as they seek to advance against a high-profile opponent.