The AFC Champions League is slowly approaching the business end of the tournament. UAE Pro League side Al Ain will be up against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr in the quarter-finals of the tournament. From the looks of it, they seem to be ready for the challenge. The side has already sounded the war horns, with Al Ain goalkeeper Khales Issa issuing a massive challenge before the highly anticipated clash.

In an interview, Issa talked about the upcoming game against Al Nassr, declaring his side will settle for nothing less than a win. The Al Ain goalkeeper stated, “The last message we received is to achieve the AFC Champions League title, and in Al-Zaeem’s Castle, excuses are rejected.” 

With the gauntlet set, the ball seems to be in Al Nassr’s court. The side is highly favored to win the title, and it seems unlikely that Al Ain’s challenge will disrupt their performance. Cristiano Ronaldo and his men have been in sublime form throughout the competition, with the Al Nassr skipper leading the pack from the front. Al Nassr is slowly turning into a solid club in the Middle East!

Luis Castro’s side has been unbeaten so far in the competition, with the team amassing six wins and two draws from their eight outings. Forward Talisca has also been firing on all cylinders, with the player emerging as the team’s top scorer in the tournament with eight goals to his name. With all working in their favor, it doesn’t seem like Al Nassr should have any trouble making quick work of their opponents.

Can Cristiano Ronaldo lead Al Nassr to the AFC Champions League title?

While the Portuguese superstar has helped the side turn a new leaf following a move to Al Nassr, the side is yet to bag any major title apart from the Arab Cup at the start of the season. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s side 7 points behind table-toppers Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League standings, the team might have to turn their attention to the AFC Champions League title in their quest for silverware this season.

READ MORE: Paulo Dybala Proves Cristiano Ronaldo Right With Big Saudi League Claim Amid Neymar & Karim Benzema’s Exit Rumors

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However, things aren’t as easy as it sounds! With arch-rivals Al Hilal and Al Ittihad still alive in the competition, Cristiano Ronaldo and his men will have to give their all for it if they want to come anywhere close to the championship. While the Al Nassr skipper has lived up to the expectation with 28 goals and 11 assists from his 29 outings across all competitions, the player will need to put his feet on the gas in the coming weeks.

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Do you think Al Nassr has what it takes to finish with a major title this season? Let us know in the comments below.