Tonight’s AFC Champions League Two Group D finale sees Saudi giants Al-Nassr host Iraq’s Al-Zawraa SC at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, with all eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to make his long-awaited debut in the competition.
Perfect Group Run for the Yellow Warriors
Al-Nassr enter the match as undisputed leaders of Group D, having secured five straight wins from five matches and already confirmed their place atop the standings with 15 points.
That flawless run has booked their spot in the Round of 16, regardless of tonight’s result, and has underlined their status as favorites to go deep in the continental tournament.
Their form has been dominant throughout the campaign, including emphatic victories such as a 4-0 romp over FC Istiklol and other commanding performances that highlighted the gulf in class between them and most group rivals.
Ronaldo’s Long-Anticipated ACL2 Debut
The headline coming into this Christmas Eve fixture is the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr’s squad — the Portuguese icon is tipped to feature for the first time in this year’s AFC Champions League Two.
Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed the plan to give Ronaldo minutes after a long international hiatus and league break, citing the need to reintegrate the 40-year-old into competitive action ahead of the knockout stages.
The fixture presents a relatively low-risk setting for his debut, with group qualification already sealed.
Although Ronaldo has not featured in previous AFL2 matches — largely rested to manage his workload — training and line-up announcements signal that tonight could be a momentous occasion for fans eager to see him don the yellow shirt on the Asian stage.
What’s at Stake for Al-Zawraa
For Al-Zawraa, the match still carries importance. Sitting second in Group D on 9 points, the Iraqi side can confirm their place in the Round of 16 with at least a draw tonight.
While Al-Zawraa cannot match Al-Nassr’s perfect record, they have shown resilience and quality throughout the group stage, making them a threat despite the Saudi side’s dominance.
A positive result would underline their credentials and set up a confident knockout campaign.
Tactical Preview
Al-Nassr’s attacking threat is formidable even without Ronaldo, with creative talents like João Félix, Sadio Mané, and Angelo Gabriel regularly dominating opponents.
Should Ronaldo start or feature off the bench, his presence will add a new dynamic to an already explosive frontline.
Al-Zawraa, meanwhile, will look to stay compact and seize opportunities on the break, targeting moments of transition to unsettle the Saudi champions.
Fan and Global Anticipation
The matchup has captured the imagination of supporters across Asia and the wider football world.
With Ronaldo’s debut looming and stakes still significant for the Iraqi outfit, the stage is set for a high-profile continental showdown on a night where Group D’s destiny meets individual football lore.
Kick-off: 9:30 pm local time (Riyadh)
Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
Competition: AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 — Group D final matchday
