Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game-winning goal as Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia overcame Al Rayyan of Qatar 2-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage on Monday.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Al Nassr’s opening 1-1 draw with Iraq’s Al-Shorta two weeks ago due to a viral ailment. On Monday, he had a goal disallowed for offside, but his shot into the top corner with 14 minutes left in Riyadh proved pivotal.
Sadio Mané, a former Liverpool attacker, scored for Al Nassr soon before halftime, and Ronaldo added a second to earn the points.
Roger Guedes scored from close range three minutes before the game ended, bringing Al Rayyan back into it.
Al Nassr, who was looking for his first Asian crown, persevered.
Riyad Mahrez scored his first goal of the season as Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia defeated Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates 2-0 for their second consecutive victory.
The Algerian forward, who joined the Jeddah club from Manchester City in 2023, had been suffering with fitness.
Mahrez opened the scoring after only three minutes. He took advantage of defender Roger Ibañez’s long pass and scored from close range. He returned the favor seven minutes before the break, with Ibanez strongly heading home his corner.
Elsewhere, Al-Sadd of Qatar defeated Esteghlal of Iran 2-0, while Tehran rival Persepolis drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor.
The 24 teams are divided into two groups of 12: one in the west and one in the east, with the top eight from each moving on to the round of 16.