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.

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

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo can take a major step towards the Asian Champions League elite title in Iran on Monday, though Al-Nassr is not the only Saudi Arabian club in contention for the big prize. Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy since signing for the Riyadh club in December 2022 and victory over Esteghlal of Tehran in the two-legged Round of 16 tie would mean a place in the last eight for Al-Nassr.

Esteghlal face Al Nassr for the first leg of the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League round of 16. Find out here the kickoff times and full broadcast details, including TV and streaming options available in the USA.

Esteghlal and Al Nassr square off in a pivotal Round of 16 match tonight. Will Cristiano Ronaldo take part as the ACL Elite heats up?