Al-Ain vs Al-Nassr

Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Stadium sets the stage for the first leg of a mouth-watering AFC Champions League quarter-final tie between Al-Ain and Al-Nassr.

Filled with confidence after a 5-3 demolition of fellow UAE Pro League rivals Hatta last week, Al-Ain head into proceedings in pursuit of a ninth consecutive unbeaten game in all competitions (W7, D1). A 2-1 home triumph against Nasaf Qarshi in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie forms part of Al-Ain’s eight-game undefeated streak and was also their third win in four home continental fixtures this season (L1). Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Stadium has been a venue of entertainment, with all four of Al-Ain’s Champions League home matches featuring over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring contest.

No strangers to action-packed affairs, Al-Nassr shared the spoils with Saudi Pro League minnows Al-Hazem in a breathtaking 4-4 home draw in the build-up to this fixture. Though that result knocked them down from a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, Luis Castro’s side will draw confidence from Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the fold after missing out on the abovementioned draw. Ronaldo emerged as Al-Nassr’s savior in the Champions League round of 16, netting in both legs as they crashed Al-Feiha out of the competition 3-0 on aggregate. Yet to lose on the road in the Champions League this season (W3, D1), the Knights of Najd will travel in a buoyant mood despite losing their last H2H against Al-Ain 1-0.