Al Nassr Secures Goalless Draw Against Esteghlal in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Absence

In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr could only manage a goalless draw against Esteghlal in Tehran on Monday during the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite last-16 tie.

The Al Nassr captain reportedly sat out this opening knockout match of the newly rebranded tournament for reasons stated as rest.

At 40 years of age, the Portuguese superstar featured in his team’s surprising domestic loss to Al Orobah just last Friday and remained in Riyadh as the continental competition resumed.

During Ronaldo’s absence, winter acquisition Jhon Duran endured a challenging outing at the Azadi Stadium.

Having joined in January from Premier League side Aston Villa, the Colombian failed to add to the two goals he netted on his tournament debut last month.

Midway through the first half, Duran came close on two occasions.

In the 20th minute, he sprinted behind the Esteghlal defence but could only manage a shot directly at goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini. Ayman Yahya was quick to pounce on the rebound, yet his effort was thwarted on the goal line.

Six minutes later, Duran had a golden opportunity to find the net, set up by former Chelsea winger Angelo Gabriel. However, his weak shot was comfortably saved by Hosseini.

Al Nassr controlled possession during the first half and looked poised to break the stalemate just before the hour mark.

Marcelo Brozovic, a former Inter Milan midfielder, threaded a pass through to Duran, but the forward’s attempted lob lacked the necessary lift to beat Hosseini.

In the 69th minute, with Hosseini out of position, Duran struck the upright from a tight angle.

Moments later, he fired a shot high and wide from the left side of the box.

Al Nassr will host Esteghlal for the second leg in Riyadh in a week’s time, a team they previously overcame in the group stages.

Manager Stefano Pioli is hopeful that Ronaldo will return to the starting XI for that match.

The legendary forward has scored six goals in five Champions League Elite outings this season.