In an all-Saudi Arabian matchup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League with a convincing 3-0 aggregate victory over Al-Fayha. Ronaldo, who scored the lone goal in the first leg, found the net again in the return match in Riyadh, contributing to a 3-0 aggregate win. Otavio also opened the scoring, ensuring Al-Nassr’s progression.
Al-Nassr, aiming for its first-ever continental title, is set to face Al-Ain from the United Arab Emirates in the quarterfinals next month. The eastern zone of the tournament features representatives from South Korea, Japan, and China, setting the stage for competitive matchups.
In an all-South Korean quarterfinal, two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will face Ulsan HD. Ulsan secured a 5-1 aggregate victory over second-tier Japanese team Ventforet Kofu, winning 2-1 away after a 3-0 first-leg triumph. Jeonbuk, after a 2-0 home win against fellow Korean team Pohang Steelers, secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-1 draw.
China’s Shandong Taishan advanced with a dramatic 6-5 victory over two legs against Kawasaki Frontale of Japan. Despite being down 3-2 from the first leg at home, Shandong quickly took a two-goal lead in Japan, with goals from Brazilian forward Cryzan and Gao Zhunyi. Although Kawasaki regained the lead with goals from Sota Miura and Erison, Cryzan’s late strike in the 97th minute leveled the score at 5-5, sending Shandong into the quarterfinals against another Japanese opponent.
Yokohama F. Marinos secured a spot in the last eight for the first time, defeating Bangkok United 3-2 on aggregate. Anderson Lopes scored the only goal in the return match after the first leg in Thailand ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Asian Champions League continues to showcase intense competition and thrilling moments as teams vie for continental glory.
