In a dramatic turn of events, Al-Nassr secured their spot in the Asian Champions League knockout rounds with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Iran’s Persepolis. Despite playing most of the match with 10 men following Ali Lajami’s 17th-minute dismissal, Al-Nassr’s resilience earned them a crucial point that guarantees them a top spot in Group E.
With one group game remaining, the Saudi Pro League side demonstrated their mettle, and even with Lajami’s early exit due to a reckless tackle, they managed to hold Persepolis at bay. Persepolis, however, still has an opportunity to advance as one of the three best runners-up if they defeat Al-Duhail in their final group game on December 5.
While Al-Duhail secured a 2-0 victory over Istiklol in Doha with Michael Olunga’s headers, they are already eliminated from the competition. Al-Sadd, on the other hand, revived their chances for a spot in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Sharjah from the UAE in Group B. Goals from Gonzalo Plata and Baghdad Bounedjah secured the victory, placing Al-Sadd in contention with seven points from five games.
In Group B, Nasaf emerged as the new leaders after a 3-1 comeback win against Al-Faisaly. Despite going behind to a goal from Reziq Bani Hani, Nasaf rallied in the second half with goals from Mateus, Zafarmurod Abdurakhmatov, and Marko Stanojevic. Sharjah, in second place with eight points, still has a chance to advance with a win over Al-Faisaly on December 4, while Al-Sadd must defeat Nasaf to keep their hopes alive.
In Group C, Sepahan from Iran overcame challenges, including two red cards, to secure a 1-0 victory against Iraq’s Air Force Club. Farshad Ahmadzadeh’s early goal proved decisive, and despite two red cards, Sepahan held on for the win. They currently sit two points behind Group C leaders Al-Ittihad, who defeated AGMK from Uzbekistan 2-1, courtesy of two first-half goals from Abderrazak Hamdallah. The victory keeps Sepahan in contention as they aim to advance further in the tournament.
