Ronaldo Suffers Heaviest Defeat as Al Ain Rout Al Nassr 4-0

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered his heaviest defeat since joining Al Nassr after Al Ain produced a dominant 4-0 victory over the Saudi Pro League champions in their AFC Champions League Elite opener on Tuesday.

The defeat marked a disappointing return to Asia’s top club competition for Al Nassr, who were outplayed by the UAE champions at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Houssine Rahimi opened the scoring for Al Ain in the 25th minute after capitalising on an under-hit back-pass from Saad Al Nasser. The Moroccan forward doubled his side’s advantage in the 63rd minute to put Al Nassr under further pressure.

Al Ain continued to control proceedings and extended their lead through Houssine’s older brother, Soufiane Rahimi, in the 72nd minute.

Soufiane then turned provider for the fourth goal, setting up Giorgos Giakoumakis, who completed the rout five minutes from full time.

Ronaldo started the match alongside new signing João Félix but struggled to make an impact as Al Nassr failed to find a response.

The Portuguese forward had a late opportunity to get on the scoresheet from a free kick, but Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made the save.

The result represents Ronaldo’s biggest defeat since he joined Al Nassr in 2023. It was also a particularly difficult start to the club’s campaign in a competition they have never won.

Al Nassr coach Ange Postecoglou accepted responsibility for the performance after the match, saying the team as a whole had been poor.

The defeat also revived memories of Al Ain’s previous success against Ronaldo’s side. The UAE club eliminated Al Nassr in the 2023/24 AFC Champions League quarter-finals after the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate before Al Ain won the decisive penalty shootout.

Al Nassr now begin their continental campaign without a point, while Al Ain take three points from their opening fixture.