26-05-2025
How can Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualify for AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26?
Cristiano Ronaldo will seek to end the season on a high when his side Al Nassr, faces Al Fateh at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium on Monday.
Earlier in the day, the Saudi Arabia Football Federation announced that Al-Nassr won an appeal to be handed three points, which puts qualification for the Asian Champions League within reach.
Al-Nassr lost 2-1 to Al-Orubah in March but complained that goalkeeper Rafi Al-Ruwaili was ineligible to play in the game because he was not a full-time professional. The Saudi Federation ruled in favour of Al-Nassr in a decision that also ensures Al-Orubah will be relegated.
How can Al Nassr qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26?
After receiving the three points, Al Nassr is currently third in the Saudi Pro League standings with 70 points from 33 games, heading into the final matchday.
As per the 2025-26 slot allocation for the AFC competitions, three teams from the Saudi Pro League can book a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite. These are the league's top two teams and Al-Ahli, which has won the 2024-25 edition of Asia's premier continental tournament.
This means that Al Nassr will have to win its game against Al Fateh and hope that second-placed Al Hilal loses to Al Qadisiyah in their fixture. Even if Al Hilal manages a draw, it will move to 73 points and can seal the second spot due to a superior goal difference.
If Al Nassr finished third it will enter the AFC Champions League Two.
(With inputs from AP)
