Al Khor: Al Gharafa lost 1-3 to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club in the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite fifth round (West Zone) match at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo initiated the scoring for Al Nassr with a powerful header just one minute into the second half, followed by his second goal in the 64th minute after Angelo had scored in the 58th minute.
Although Joselu managed to score for Al Gharafa, Al Nassr maintained their composure to get the maximum points extending their total tally to 13 points.
Al Nassr posed an early threat in the third minute when Marcelo Brozovic delivered a pass to Ronaldo, whose low shot was comfortably saved by Al Gharafa goalkeeper Sergio Rico.
The home team nearly penetrated Al Nassr’s defense four minutes later, as Yacine Brahimi advanced down the left flank and delivered a cutback into the penalty area, but both Joselu and Ferjani Sassi failed to capitalize on the opportunity amidst a crowded box.
Sadio Mane continued to exploit the vulnerabilities in Al Gharafa’s defense, providing a brilliant through ball to Ronaldo, who then set up an unmarked Brozovic at the edge of the box; however, the Croatian midfielder sent his shot over the crossbar.
In the 19th minute, Al Gharafa narrowly avoided conceding again after a clever interplay between Angelo Gabriel and Brozovic created space for Ronaldo, whose shot was deflected by Rico, with the rebound falling to Brozovic, who unfortunately sent the ball over the bar.
Al Gharafa responded in the following minute when Brahimi delivered a well-placed pass to Wajdi Kechrida, forcing Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento into his first save of the match.
Brahimi had another opportunity in the 25th minute, receiving a cross from Kechrida just outside the penalty area, but his shot was directed straight at Mohamed Simaka, who deflected the follow-up attempt.
Just before the end of the first half, Al Gharafa escaped a potential penalty when Matías Nani fouled a charging Mane inside the box, but Al Nassr’s penalty appeal was dismissed following a VAR review.
Ronaldo then missed an opportunity to give Al Nassr the lead in the 31st minute, directing his header from a set-piece just past the right post, and four minutes before halftime, his subsequent attempt was blocked.
Al Nassr took the lead just one minute into the second half, as Sultan Al Ghannam delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Ronaldo, who headed the ball into the net.
Al Gharafa fell further behind in the 58th minute when Otavio played a through ball to Angelo, who skillfully maneuvered into the box and rounded the goalkeeper, Rico, to finish expertly.
Ronaldo secured Al Nassr’s third goal in the 64th minute with a curling shot from within the area, leaving Rico unable to respond.
Joselu managed to score for the home team in the 75th minute, converting the rebound after Bento had saved his initial shot, but this goal was merely a consolation.
Al Gharafa faced additional difficulties when Seydou Sano received a second yellow card for a foul on Mane in the 84th minute, resulting in his dismissal.
Al Nassr will look to continue their winning streak when they meet Al Sadd next Tuesday, while Al Gharafa prepares to face Al Hilal SFC from Saudi Arabia.
