FC Istiklol vs. Al Nassr Live Score: 0-2 First Half, Cristiano Ronaldo Undecided to Advance to the Round of 16

Cristiano Ronaldo was undecided as Al Nassr moved one step closer to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2. Al Nassr led FC Istiklol by two goals in the first half.

The first half ended with a 0-2 scoreline for FC Istiklol vs. Al Nassr in the fifth matchday of the AFC Champions League 2 match at Almaty Stadium, Tajikistan, on Wednesday (November 26, 2025).

Al Nassr, acting as the visiting team, took the lead in the 12th minute through a Joao Felix penalty. Jorge Jesus' side doubled their lead in the 41st minute through Mohamed Simakan.

If this scoreline holds in the second half, Al Nassr will certainly advance to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2. The scenario suggests a draw is enough for Cristiano Ronaldo's team to advance to the knockout stage. The spotlight was on Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 was not included in the starting lineup. He wasn't even listed as a substitute.

This means that in all five group stage matches played by Al Nassr in this season's Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo has not played. Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has not even included the Portuguese national team player in his starting lineup.

FC Istiklol vs. Al Nassr Match Progress

Al Nassr, playing as the visiting team, pressed from the moment the half-time whistle blew.

Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr played an open game. Less than five minutes into the first half, Al Nassr created a chance to open the scoring. It was a pass from Angelo, straight to Joao Felix. With a slight push into the FC Istiklol penalty area, the former AC Milan player finished with a tap-in. Unfortunately, Cristiano Ronaldo's compatriot's effort was off target.

Not wanting to be a pushover for Al Nassr, FC Istiklol tried to play an open game. Two minutes later, it was Istiklol's turn to have a chance through a shot from Rustam Soirov. Fortunately, his shot was saved by the home team's goalkeeper.

Al Nassr was awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after Al Najdi was fouled by FC Istiklol goalkeeper Stosic. The referee didn't hesitate to award the penalty kick as Al Nassr's reward.

The goal the visitors had been waiting for arrived. This time, Joao Felix got his name on the scoresheet in the 12th minute from the penalty spot. The scoreline was now 0-1. The one-goal lead didn't deter Al Nassr from slowing down. Instead, Jorge Jesus' squad became even more determined to score.

In contrast, FC Istiklol struggled to develop their game. The presence of Marcelo Brozovic in midfield allowed Al Nassr to dominate the game. This impacted FC Istiklol, who were forced to counterattack due to their lack of possession.

In the 30th minute, Al Nassr nearly doubled their lead. Brozovic's cross from the right flank found Mohammed Manan, who escaped his marker. Unfortunately, the Al Nassr striker's header sailed just over the home team's crossbar.

Two minutes later, Manan threatened FC Istiklol again on the counterattack. His shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by the home defender. In the 35th minute, the score was 0-1 in favor of Joao Felix and his teammates.

With four minutes left of regulation time, Al Nassr doubled their lead. This time, Mohamed Simakan scored with a shot from inside the penalty area. Al Nassr maintained the 0-2 lead until halftime.