Alkass Digital
Al Duhail SC's only option against Al Nassr is a win when the two teams clash in Group E of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 on Tuesday.
Al Duhail have endured a difficult start to their campaign and face another tough test against high-flying Al Nassr.
One point is not what Al Duhail, AFC Champions League semi-finalists for the first time last season, would have expected three matches into their campaign.
A goalless draw with FC Istiklol was followed by defeats for the Qatar champions - 1-0 to Persepolis FC and 4-3 to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr two weeks ago and another defeat will mean a premature end to their campaign.
Al Nassr, meanwhile, will feel another three points are within reach after reaching the midway point with a perfect record.
Al Nassr coach Luis Castro in a pre-match press conference said that Al Nassr captain and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in the AFC Champions League return game versus Qatari side Al Duhail.
According to Castro, Ronaldo “was engaged in a tough Saudi Pro League [against Al Khaleej] two days ago and after assessing his physical condition I decided to rest him to avoid fatigue.”
Ronaldo is not the only player to be absent from tonight's Doha clash, as last year’s UEFA Champions League winner and Spanish international Aymeric Laporte is also set to miss the match. Al Duhail SC (QAT) v Al Nassr (KSA)
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 21:00 (UTC+3)