Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to play Tajikistani club in Champions League

After surviving a tense qualification play-off against Shabab Al-Ahli, Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr side have been drawn against Tajikistani champions FC Istiklol in the AFC Champions League group stage.

In the draws held on Thursday, Al Nassr were placed in the Western Region of the competition, in Group E, and will face off against the Tajikistanis and two other sides.

Al Nassr will also play against record Iranian champions Persepolis and Qatari champions Al-Duhail in what is set to be an exciting AFC Champions League group.

The Saudi Arabian side will need to finish at the top of the table to be certain of qualification for the next round, as only group winners are assured of a place in the Round of 16 alongside the three best second-placed teams in each region.

The Group stages start in September, with Al Nassr travelling to Persepolis for their opening fixture in Group E.

Last season’s beaten finalists, Al Hilal, were grouped with Nassaji Mazandaran of Iran, India’s Mumbai City, and Uzbekistani side Navbahor.

Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds were placed in the Easter Region of the draw in Group J against Wuhan Three Towns, Pohang Steelers, and Hanoi FC.

Al Nassr have never won the AFC Champions League but have inched closer in recent years, reaching consecutive semifinals in the last two seasons.