In a sensational upset, UAE’s Al Ain FC dumped Cristiano Ronaldo’s star-studded Al Nassr out of the Asian Champions League quarterfinals on Monday night.expand_more The thrilling encounter, which ended 4-4 on aggregate after extra time, was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout that saw Al Ain triumph 3-1.
Al Nassr, seeking their first Champions League title with the legendary Ronaldo leading the line, entered the second leg needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg played in the UAE.expand_more The Saudi side started brightly, and the tie seemed to be swinging in their favor when Al Ain conceded two goals in the first half.
However, the resilient UAE outfit refused to give up. They clawed their way back into the game with two goals of their own before halftime, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.exclamation The second half remained a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert.
The drama escalated further in extra time when Al Nassr were reduced to ten men following a red card.expand_more Just as Al Ain seemed poised to snatch victory, a controversial penalty awarded to Ronaldo in the dying moments sent the game to a nerve-wracking shootout.
The penalty shootout proved to be Al Ain’s night.expand_more Their goalkeeper produced two magnificent saves, while Ronaldo was the only Al Nassr player to convert his spot-kick. The jubilant Al Ain players and fans erupted in celebration as they secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2016.
This result will undoubtedly send shockwaves through Asian football.exclamation While Ronaldo’s individual brilliance shone through with a goal and a penalty conversion, it wasn’t enough to overcome a determined Al Ain side. The victory is a testament to the UAE club’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline.
Al Ain now face a tough challenge in the upcoming semi-final, but their historic win over a team boasting one of the world’s greatest players will undoubtedly serve as a major confidence boost.