Al Nassr face a crucial match in the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Elite as they host Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana. The big question remaining is whether Cristiano Ronaldo will play for the Saudi side.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature for Al Nassr on Matchday 2 of the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Elite. He participated in his club’s recent Saudi Pro League win over Diriyah Club, opening the scoring in his team’s 3–0 victory.
Head coach Ange Postecoglou recently provided an update on Cristiano Ronaldo’s status, confirming that the striker is set to start against the Uzbek side in a vital encounter for Al Nassr.
Al Nassr’s projected lineup
Al Nassr enter this continental clash eager to bounce back following a defeat to Al Ain on opening night. Securing all three points is vital for the Saudi side as they aim to climb out of the bottom of the standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
Al Nassr confirmed starting XI (4-4-2): Bento, Nawaf Bu Washl, Awad Aman, Samú Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Kingsley Coman, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Sadio Mané. Coach: Ange Postecoglou.
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Neftchi Fergana’s projected lineup
As for Neftchi Fergana, they earned a win on Matchday 1 and currently occupy a playoff spot. While plenty of fixtures remain in the campaign, getting off on the right foot—and potentially claiming a landmark victory on the road against Al Nassr—could prove crucial in their quest to advance to the next round.
Neftchi Fergana projected starting XI (4-2-3-1): Botirali Ergashev, Koffi Kouao, Nurmuhammad Abdug’aniyev, Anvarjon Gofurov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Ratinho, Ikromjon Aliboev, Abrorbek Ismoilov, Jamshid Iskanderov, Alisher Odilov, Zoran Marušić. Coach: Islombek Ismoilov.
