Al-Nassr Wan Host Neftchi Fergana For AFC Champions League Elite Clash
Al-Nassr go aim to secure back-to-back wins across all competitions when dem face Neftchi Fergana for the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite, West Region, on Monday at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The home side dey come into this match after morale-boosting victory over Diriyah, while the visitors never lose any of their last four matches, and dem win three of them.
After a controversial international break with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo return to club action in goalscoring form as Al-Nassr secure 3-0 victory over Diriyah in their last outing. Before that one, the Saudi Pro League side suffer disappointing start to their AFC Champions League campaign, as dem get thoroughly outplayed in 4-0 defeat to Al-Amin.
Ange Postecoglou side otherwise make decent start to their2026-27league campaign, winning six and drawing one of their opening eight matches, with their only defeat leaving them third for table on 19 points. Al-Nassr need significant improvement for continental competition, but Postecoglou suppose take confidence from their impressive home form, having won all four matches at Al-Awwal Park, scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice.
Neftchi Fergana begin their AFC Champions League campaign with 1-0 victory over Al-Jawiya, courtesy of late winner from Zoran Marusic. The Great Maples win the Uzbekistan Super League last season, finishing four points ahead of Pakhtakor, but dem face tougher challenge this time around.
Neftchi and Pakhtakor currently level on 52 points from 23 matches, with goal difference separating the two sides, although Islombek Ismoilov team don already suffer three defeats in the league this season. Their recent form don excellent, however, with Neftchi losing just once in their last seven matches across all competitions, and scoring the opening goal in five of those encounters.
Postecoglou remain without right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam, who dey recover from ACL injury and unlikely to return until late December. Left-back Saleem Al-Najdi sustain nose injury in September and don miss the last four matches, with the defender likely to sit out this clash as well.
Awad Aman appear to pick up injury in the previous game, while Abduleh Al-Amri dey doubtful for this match due to fitness concerns. For the visitors, Jovan Djokic na the only major absentee, as he continue to recover from Achilles tendon problem following surgery.
Ratinho was sent off in the 1-0 victory over Lokomotiv Tashkent, but although he go serve suspension in the league, he still dey available for selection in this competition.