Al Nassr beat Shabab Al Ahli 4-2 to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage, after scoring 3 goals within the last 9 minutes of a play-off match.
Al Nassr had home advantage and a dream start in the AFC Champions League play-offs, opening the scoring against Shabab Al Ahli in the 11th minute. Talisca bounced a header wide of the UAE side after Marcelo Brozovic’s corner kick.
However, Al Nassr were unable to create a smooth collective play after an early goal only to be led back by the opposition. Cristiano Ronaldo had to shake his head in disbelief as he watched the home side concede a gaffe.
In the 17th minute, Mu’nas Dabbur broke the offside trap and made a maneuver that caused the entire Al Nassr defence to slip into rhythm, the assist then allowed Yahya Al Ghassani to comfortably score a 1-1 equalizer.
In the 46th minute, Shabab Al Ahli took a 2-1 lead shortly after serving early in the second half. Yahya Al Ghassani glided past the Al Nassr defenders with ease, then pricked the tip of his boot past goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi.
Al Nassr endured a very tough match against Shabab Al-Ahli. (Photo: Al Nassr)
At a disadvantage, Al Nassr went all-out in attack and left Shabab Al Ahli with a shrunken defense. The “deadly” play brought the visitors very close to victory, but everything changed quickly in the last 9 minutes.
In the 88th minute, Sultan Al Ghannam headed home a 2-2 equaliser for Al Nassr after Ayman Yahya’s cross from the left wing. In the 90+5th minute, Ayman Yahya again provided an assist and Talisca headed home a header to make it 3-2.
Continuing the momentum, Al Nassr sealed a 4-2 victory in the 90+7th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo crosses the ball clearly, Marcelo Brozovic fires a shot against Shabab Al Ahli.
Al Nassr qualified for the 2023/2024 AFC Champions League group stage after a breathtaking scoreline chase. This is the 4th representative of the Saudi Arabian league to appear in Asia’s top arena, alongside Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Fayha.
Notably, if Al Nassr fails, perhaps the referee will be the focus of controversy in this match. The reason is because, Cristiano Ronaldo had 3 unsuccessful penalty claims in the 1st half and Sadio Mane had 2 similar situations in the 2nd half.
