Al Wasl take on Al Nassr for tonight's one-leg clash at the Zabeel Stadium as this is a classic mismatch of current form in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.
Al Nassr enters the fixture sitting comfortably as the juggernauts of Asian football, riding a staggering 17-match winning streak across all competitions. Jorge Jesus' side has been a dominant force this season, enjoying an eight-point cushion at the top of the Saudi Pro League. Having already captured the momentum in their domestic league, Al Nassr will look to secure another routine victory to extend their march toward a potential treble.
On the other end of the spectrum, Al Wasl is enduring a nightmare campaign domestically. Languishing 20 points adrift of the leaders in the UAE Pro
League with only two wins in their last five games, they have struggled heavily in defense. Facing the Saudi giants at home presents a monumental challenge, but the hosts are viewing this continental clash as their "Last Dance" and final hope for silverware this season.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Al Wasl?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in tonight's match against Al Wasl. Despite suffering from a significant illness and stomach pains that caused him to vomit following a 1-0 win over Al Ettifaq earlier this week, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has his talisman available. The 41-year-old superstar has recovered and will lead the line for Sunday's crucial quarterfinal fixture in Dubai.
AL Nassr vs Al Wasl Team News & Injury Updates
Al Nassr
With Ronaldo's fitness confirmed, Al Nassr is currently navigating a few squad absences but remains heavily stacked:
Suspensions: None reported.
Injuries: Key players Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman are still recovering and remain sidelined.
Attack: With Ronaldo up top, Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel are expected to provide the width and creativity.
Al Wasl
The visitors are hoping the home crowd in Dubai can lift a relatively healthy squad:
Injuries: The squad is mostly fit, though manager Milos Milojevic has significant tactical puzzles to solve regarding a leaky defense that recently conceded five goals to lower-table domestic opposition.
Key Player: Fabio Lima, who will be their primary attacking outlet and creative spark in the midfield.
Even with Al Wasl fighting for their season's survival, visitors Al Nassr possess overwhelming firepower and are heavy favorites to secure a commanding first-leg advantage against a defensively fragile Cheetahs squad.
