Al-Nassr, without Cristiano Ronaldo, drew 0-0 at Esteghlal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite last 16 clash

Amid growing speculation on social media about Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in Iran for Al Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal, head coach Stefano Pioli addressed whether the Portuguese star will be available for the match.

Esteghlal and Al Nassr played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 match at the Azadi Sports Complex on Monday. It was a tale of two halves, as both teams had their fair share of chances but failed to convert any into a goal.

The truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League clash has emerged amid false claims about an incident that happened in 2023. Al Nassr will face Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League on Monday, just three days falling to a 2-1 defeat against Al Orobah.

Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the matchday squad for their AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal. Ronaldo did not travel to Tehran with the rest of his teammates for the first leg of the last-16 tie.

Al Nassr fans have been reacting on social media after watching Jhon Duran's performance against Esteghlal FC. On Monday evening, Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr were in AFC Champions League action as they took on Iranian outfit Esteghlal in the first leg of the round of 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr finished third in their group (B) in the league phase, accumulating 17 points. Esteghlal FC, also in the same group as Al Nassr, finished sixth with nine points

Jhon Duran hit a post and was thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping display as Al Nassr drew 0-0 in Iran without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent as Al-Nassr and Esteghlal played to a 0-0 draw in the AFC Champions League Elite second round. Despite Jhon Duran's efforts and Sadio Mane's opportunities, Esteghlal's goalkeeper kept a clean sheet.

Abdullah Al-Yazidi earned Qatar's Al-Sadd a 1-1 draw with Al-Wasl in Dubai in the first leg of their Asian Champions League Elite last 16 clash on Monday as Al-Nassr, missing Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran's Esteghlal in Tehran.