Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before leaving the pitch injured in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over the weekend, and now their next match has been called off due to the ongoing air strikes
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have had their Asian Champions League Two quarter-final clash against Al-Wasl postponed due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. It comes after US President Donald Trump launched an operation against Iran over the weekend.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed by a US and Israeli air strike. The attacks have had a knock-on impact, with Iran responding with attacks on US and Israeli military bases in the Middle East.
That has led the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to confirm the postponement of matches, including the Champions League round of 16 games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The Asian Champions League Two, quarter-finals which were due to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahve also been postponed, with Al Nassr impacted.
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The Saudi side were due to take on the United Arab Emirates club Al-Wasl in their quarter-final clash in Dubai. But that will now not go ahead, with a rescheduled date not yet confirmed.
In a statement, the AFC said: “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2-3, 2026, will now be rescheduled.
“Additionally, the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.
“Matches involving clubs from the East Region across all of the AFC’s club competitions will proceed as originally scheduled.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans.”
It comes as Ronaldo, Al Nassr, and Portugal all sweat over his fitness after suffering an injury during the club’s 3-1 win over Al Fahya on Saturday. The forward signalled to the bench before being replaced in the 81st minute.
Following the match, Al Nassr boss Jorge Jesus gave an update on Ronaldo, who was spotted with an ice pack on the back of his knee. “Ronaldo suffered muscle fatigue, and the medical staff will urgently perform the necessary tests to determine his condition,” he told reporters.
Ronaldo’s withdrawal came after he missed a penalty earlier in the game. The match’s postponement could now give him more time to recover.
Games taking place in the East of the region, including Gamba Asaka vs Eatchaburi FC, Bangkok United vs Tampines Rovers, are due to go ahead as planned.
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