Al-Nassr began their AFC Champions League 2 campaign in style, producing a commanding 5-0 win over Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on September 18, 2025. What made the performance more remarkable was that the Saudi giants managed the emphatic scoreline without their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for the fixture.
The result not only gave Al-Nassr three valuable points in Group D but also underlined their depth and versatility, proving that their attack does not solely rely on the Portuguese superstar.
Early Dominance and Ghareeb’s Influence
From the opening whistle, Al-Nassr set the tone by controlling possession and pushing Istiklol deep into their half. Their persistence was rewarded in the 14th minute when Abdulrahman Ghareeb broke the deadlock. Cutting in from the left, Ghareeb’s strike took a slight deflection off defender Kirill Suslov, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
Barely three minutes later, Ghareeb turned provider. Bursting down the wing, he delivered a pinpoint cross that found Ângelo Gabriel, who finished calmly to double the advantage. With a quick-fire double, the hosts had seized firm control of the match, forcing Istiklol to chase shadows.
The visitors did have a chance to pull one back late in the first half when a defensive slip gave Manuchehr Dzhalilov an opening, but the striker blazed his effort over the bar. That miss summed up Istiklol’s evening — opportunities were scarce, and their finishing lacked sharpness.
Wesley’s Spark After the Break
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al-Nassr dictating the tempo and looking comfortable in defense. The standout moment came in the 59th minute, when Wesley produced a moment of individual brilliance. Receiving the ball just outside the box, the Brazilian attacker dribbled past two defenders before slotting home the third goal. It was a strike that highlighted both his confidence and technical quality.
At 3-0, the game was effectively beyond Istiklol’s reach, but Al-Nassr showed no signs of slowing down. Their substitutes added fresh energy and further punished the weary visitors.
Impact From the Bench
In the final minutes, the game turned into a showcase of Al-Nassr’s squad depth. Kingsley Coman, who had been introduced late on, finished off a flowing move in the 89th minute to make it 4-0. Soon after, Sadio Mané added his name to the scoresheet with a neat strike in stoppage time, sealing the 5-0 rout.
The fact that three different substitutes found the back of the net underlines Al-Nassr’s strength in depth. While Ronaldo’s absence would normally dominate headlines, this time it highlighted how well the rest of the squad can deliver when called upon.
Istiklol’s Struggles
For Istiklol, it was a difficult evening. They looked organized for spells in the first half but lacked the defensive discipline to handle Al-Nassr’s pace and width. Their best opportunity — Dzhalilov’s first-half miss — was wasted, and after that, they rarely troubled the Saudi club’s backline. The visitors’ inability to cope with sustained pressure ultimately led to their collapse in the closing stages.
Tactical Takeaways
- No Ronaldo, No Problem – Jorge Jesus’ decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo paid off, as it gave other attackers the platform to shine.
- Ghareeb’s Creativity – With a goal and an assist, Abdulrahman Ghareeb was a standout performer, dictating much of Al-Nassr’s attacking play.
- Substitute Power – Wesley, Coman, and Mané all found the net, proving Al-Nassr’s ability to score from multiple sources.
- Control and Composure – From start to finish, Al-Nassr managed the game well, limiting Istiklol to half-chances while creating plenty for themselves.
Looking Ahead
The emphatic victory puts Al-Nassr in a strong position in Group D. Their next challenge comes on October 1 against Iraq’s Al Zawraa, an away fixture that will test their consistency. With Ronaldo expected to return, the team’s attacking options will only grow stronger.
For Istiklol, the heavy defeat is a setback, but the group stage is still in its early stages. They will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive lapses if they want to remain competitive.
Final Thoughts
Al-Nassr’s 5-0 victory was more than just a scoreline; it was a statement of intent. By showcasing their ability to dominate without Ronaldo, the Riyadh-based side reminded Asia that they are not a one-man team. With talent spread across the squad and tactical flexibility from Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr look well-equipped to challenge for the ACL2 title
