By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Al Nassr's Brazilian midfielder Wesley (#80) is marked by Shorta's Iraqi midfielder Abdul-Razzaq Qasim (#25) during the AFC Champions League Elite match at the Al-Madina Stadium in Baghdad, Iraq, September 16, 2024. /CFP
During the revamped and rebranded Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Al Shorta of Iraq in the league's first ever game on Monday.
Al Nassr were lackluster in a 1-1 draw against Al Ahli on Friday in the Saudi Pro League and were looking to put on a better show despite missing Cristiano Ronaldo due to a viral infection. Al Nassr beat last season's Iraqi Stars league champions 1-0 in the Arab Club Champions Cup semifinals in August 2023.
In the 14th minute, captain Sultan Al-Ghannam opened the scoring for Al Nassr with a clinical finish. However, just ten minutes later, Mohammed Dawoud equalized thanks to a miscommunication in defense.
The Saudi club suffered another blow when Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic left the field injured in the second half. Al Nassr will next host Qatar's Al Rayyan on October 1st.
According to the AFC, the Asia's continental football championship kicked off the new season with the opening phase reduced from 40 to 24 teams and teams facing off in the Swiss League format.
The top eight finishers in the 12-team leagues in east and west Asia will advance into the knockout rounds in March, 2025, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final will take place in Saudi Arabia in April and May.