Al-Sadd Secures Knockout Spot with Late Victory Over Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo was rested as Al-Nassr suffered their first Asian Champions League loss, conceding a 99th-minute penalty to Al-Sadd.

Al-Sadd defeated Al-Nassr 2-1 in Riyadh to claim a spot in the Asian Champions League round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored five goals in his last three matches, was rested as Al-Nassr had already qualified for the knockout stage.
Akram Afif, recently named AFC Player of the Year, scored for Al-Sadd and won the penalty that Adam Ounas converted in the 99th minute to secure the win.
Al-Nassr equalized late in the match through an own goal by Al-Sadd defender Romain Saiss but could not hold on in added time.
Al-Ahli remains at the top of the group after a 2-2 draw with Esteghlal, with Ivan Toney scoring two penalties for the Saudi side.