The Saudi Pro League side clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win, with Aymeric Laporte’s late strike keeping Al-Nassr in the top four of the AFC Champions League Elite table.

Al-Nassr narrowly defeated Esteghlal 1-0 in a tense AFC Champions League Elite clash on Tuesday, with Aymeric Laporte scoring a decisive late goal to earn the Saudi Pro League side a vital win in Dubai. The former Manchester City defender headed in from close range to break the deadlock, ensuring Al-Nassr remains firmly in contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.

The match had been relocated from Tehran to Dubai due to ongoing security concerns in Iran, shifting Esteghlal away from their home advantage. Nevertheless, a lively crowd created an electric atmosphere as both sides fought for dominance on the field. Al-Nassr, eager to build on their strong start to the competition, dominated possession and consistently applied pressure, but struggled to find a breakthrough for much of the game.

The first half saw few clear-cut chances, despite Al-Nassr’s superior ball control. Sadio Mané, one of the Saudi side’s key attacking figures, provided a moment of quality in the 18th minute, flicking a clever pass into the path of Nawaf Bu Washl. The youngster’s volley, however, was easily saved by Esteghlal goalkeeper Seyed Hosseini.

Cristiano Ronaldo, as always, was at the heart of Al-Nassr’s attacking efforts. The Portuguese star looked dangerous whenever he was on the ball, and his first real attempt came midway through the opening half, as a powerful low shot from outside the box whizzed just wide of the post. While the anticipation grew in the stands, a goal still seemed elusive.

Esteghlal, largely pinned back, managed to threaten Al-Nassr with a long-range strike from their former player, Jaloliddin Masharipov. The Uzbekistan international, now plying his trade back in the Iranian league, unleashed a 25-yard effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar, giving his old teammates a brief scare.

Despite their dominance in possession, Al-Nassr’s struggles in the final third were evident as the first half ended goalless. Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr’s head coach, made a bold triple substitution at the break, bringing on Ali Lajami, Sultan Al-Ghannam, and Ali Al-Hassan in an attempt to inject fresh energy into his side.

The changes did little to spark immediate improvement, and as the clock ticked on, Pioli called for further reinforcements. Anderson Talisca, brought on with 25 minutes remaining, finally provided the attacking impetus Al-Nassr needed. The Brazilian playmaker tested Hosseini with a stinging shot soon after his introduction, signalling a shift in momentum.

Al-Nassr’s best chance of the night came shortly after, with Ronaldo at the centre of the action once again. The Portuguese striker’s first shot from inside the box was blocked, but he pounced on the rebound only to see his second effort parried by the Esteghlal goalkeeper. Talisca followed up with a fierce drive, but a crucial deflection sent the ball wide of the target. Al-Nassr’s players called for a penalty, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) remained unmoved.

The breakthrough finally came from a corner in the 88th minute. Ronaldo, renowned for his aerial prowess, soared above the defence to send a powerful header towards goal. Hosseini managed to get a hand to it, but Laporte was perfectly positioned to tap the ball home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the Al-Nassr players and fans.

In the closing stages, Al-Nassr continued to push forward, nearly doubling their lead when Otavio picked out Wesley in the box. The substitute’s shot clattered against the post, and Esteghlal were spared further punishment. The Iranian side, largely contained throughout the game, offered little in response, leaving them stuck on three points from three games.

For Al-Nassr, this victory strengthens their position in the AFC Champions League Elite table. They now sit in fourth place with seven points, just two behind group leaders Al-Hilal and second-placed Al-Ahli, both also from the Saudi Pro League. With three of the top four spots occupied by Saudi clubs, it’s clear that the Kingdom’s footballing strength is well on display in this year’s competition.

Esteghlal, meanwhile, remains in a precarious position with just three points from three matches. As the group stage progresses, their hopes of advancing to the next round are dwindling. For Al-Nassr, however, the Round of 16 looks increasingly within reach, and Pioli’s men will take heart from their determined performance in Dubai.

As the tournament progresses, Al-Nassr will need to maintain its momentum, but with the quality and depth of its squad, it will remain a strong contender to make a deep run in the competition. Laporte’s late heroics might have secured the points on this occasion, but Al-Nassr will be looking to ensure their path to the knockout rounds is a little smoother in the matches to come.