KSAsportz report
RIYADH — In an electrifying display, Al Nassr kicked off their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in Group D on Wednesday. This commanding win marks the largest margin of victory in the tournament so far this season.
Despite the absence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo and key figures like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Kingsley Coman starting on the bench, Jorge Jesus’ squad demonstrated relentless dominance from the outset at Al Awwal Park. Al Nassr logged an impressive 75% possession, reinforcing their control throughout the match.
Abdulrahman Ghareeb set the tone early, his cross creating chaos in the fourth minute, before he found the back of the net in the 14th minute with a precise finish that deflected off Kirill Suslov. Ghareeb’s involvement did not stop there; three minutes later, he dashed down the flank to assist Angelo for the second goal.
FC Istiklol almost capitalized on a defensive mix-up just before half-time as Ghareeb’s misplaced back pass found Manuchehr Dzhalilov, who unfortunately missed the target from close range.
Al Nassr resumed their control post-break, with Wesley showcasing a dazzling solo effort in the 59th minute to extend the lead to 3-0. The introduction of Brozović, Coman, and Mané in the closing stages further highlighted the disparity in skill and experience on the field.
In the 89th minute, Brozović fed Coman, who struck home his first continental goal, while Mané sealed the deal with a stoppage-time strike, ensuring a clinical finish to the match.
This emphatic victory cements Al Nassr’s position as early favorites for the ACL 2 crown, with a remarkable goal differential now making headlines. Their next challenge is set for October 1, when they travel to face Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC, while Istiklol prepares to host India’s FC Goa.