Joao Felix stepped up in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as the Portuguese forward scored a stunning goal towards the end of the game to seal a 2-0 win for Al-Nassr over Al-Zawraa in their second match of the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday. 'Super sub' Abdullah Al-Khaibari had earlier handed the Saudi Pro League giants the lead with a world-class finish at the start of the second half.
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Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to Iraq for the AFC Champions League Two clash as Jorge Jesus had earlier clarified that the 40-year-old was being rested, amid a hectic schedule. In Ronaldo's absence, new signing Joao Felix spearheaded the team's attack with Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman at his side.
Al-Zawraa started the game on a positive note and created as many as three goalscoring chances within the first 20 minutes as they completely dominated proceedings against the Saudi giants. As the game progressed, both teams slowed down their intensity and at the end of the first half, the score line remained goalless.
After the break, Jorge Jesus brought in Abdullah Al-Khaibari in place of Ayman Yahya and the decision proved to be a masterstroke as Al-Khaibari proved to be a 'super sub' as he broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Mane sent a cross from the left side of the box, which was intercepted by an Al-Zawraa defender but Al-Khaibari scored the goal from the rebound with a first-time attempt as he fired the ball into the goal through the bottom right corner.
After having a quiet game for the majority of the match, star striker Felix finally got his name on the scoresheet as the ex-Chelsea and Barcelona star scored with a stunning finish from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Mane.
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Mane was undoubtedly the most active Al-Nassr player on the pitch tonight in a relatively slow game. The ex-Liverpool winger worked hard on the left flank and provided the assist for Felix's winning goal. He was also instrumental in creating the move for Al-Khaibari's opening goal.
THE BIG LOSER
Al-Zawraa made a bright start to the game and maintained pressure on the Al-Nassr defence in the first 20 minutes of the match, however, they failed to take an early lead despite creating multiple chances. The Iraqi side's attack was wasteful, which led to Al-Nassr taking control, and ultimately led to them winning the game.
AFPWHAT COMES NEXT?
Jorge Jesus' side will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League after the international break on October 18 when they host Al Fateh.