Al Hilal reigned supreme over Al Nassr & Cristiano Ronaldo in the Riyadh Season Cup. The match perfectly highlighted the difference in level between the top 2 sides in Saudi. This was encapsulated by Jorge Jesus, who said before the match, “We’ll beat Al Nassr by 3 goals.” With Al Hilal firmly ahead in the league, Luis Castro & Co. seem to have turned their attention to the AFC Champions League. Per reports, they’ve already started preparations with an ‘unexpected team’.

The Knights of Najd will be having a drill in the next couple of days. They will be reportedly joined by the Saudi Arabia Olympic soccer team. It is the U23 team that represents the Middle Eastern country on the vast global stage and they are more than a capable team, having secured gold in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. As per Castro, this will benefit Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. ahead of the crucial RO16 tie against Al Fayha on February 14.

The report also explained the need for such a practice session following the Al Hilal defeat. It seems the Portuguese tactician treated the Riyadh Cup as a tourney to identify new players. This alone wasn’t enough to face Al Fayha.

Unlike their league form, Al Nassr has been quite dominant in the AFC Champions League. They were undefeated in the group stages with 4 victories. Perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. might feel that this is their best shot at a trophy. However, Castro is not the only one who feels that way.

Xavi labels Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. among the ‘best’ sides

Legendary midfielder and Barcelona boss Xavi knows quite well what makes a team click. Recently, the Spaniard was in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Catalan club’s Spanish Super Cup tie against Real Madrid. And Xavi feels Al Nassr is undoubtedly a favorite to win the AFC Champions League. He had said, “Saudi clubs are the best in Asia.”

WATCH: Fuming Cristiano Ronaldo Throws Riyadh Season Cup Silver Medal Into Stands After 2–0 Humiliation vs. Al Hilal

Trending

“Rest in Peace” – Soccer World Joins Manchester City in Mourning Former Club Player Ian Mellor’s Tragic Loss

May 01, 2024 12:18 PM EDT

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

July 12, 2023 09:29 AM EDT

Cristiano Ronaldo Told to Make Incredible MLS Switch to LAFC- “Come to the United States”

April 30, 2024 08:50 AM EDT

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

March 30, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

Ryan Reynolds Sells 5% Stake In Wrexham To New Partners After Buying Liga MX Club Necaxa

April 30, 2024 01:11 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Xavi played and coached in Qatar. He even led Al Sadd to a league victory. Hence, he knows what it takes to succeed in Asia. While Al Fayha sits 14th in the league and is not in the best of form, the Champions League is a knockout tournament, and one bad game could end it all. Hence, Al Nassr will be banking on ‘Mr. Champions League’, Cristiano Ronaldo to take them all the way.

Who will emerge victorious? Tell us in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule