Cristiano Ronaldo returns to action following his suspension as Al Nassr face Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.
CR7 is back following his one-game ban, handed down by the Saudi Arabian FA after he performed an “obscene gesture” towards Al Shabab fans last week.
Ronaldo scored his 22nd goal of the season but was then taunted by rival fans with Lionel Messi chants. He retaliated, and was subsequently punished for his actions.
He returns to the team with his side in the quarterfinals and will be looking to get them back to winning ways, after they drew 4-4 against Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League without him last week.
The Sporting News is following Al Nassr vs Al Ain live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen. Check back here for updates.
WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo in AFC Champions League action
Al Nassr vs Al Ain live score
| 1st Half | Goalscorers | |
| Al Nassr | — | |
| Al Ain | — |
Projected lineups:
Al Nassr lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Abdullah (GK) — Boushal, Al Amri, Laporte, Telles — Al Khaibari, Brozovic — Talisca, Otavio, Mane — Ronaldo
Al Ain lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Eisa (GK) — Traore, Al-Hashemi, Koumare, Erik — Park, Al Baloushi — Atzili, Romero, Al-Shamsi — Laba
Al Nassr vs Al Ain live updates, highlights, and commentary
1 hour 30 mins before kickoff: The hype around this match has been real. It’s a sellout crowd at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi!
AlNassr in UAE 💛 pic.twitter.com/VjzDKC8x07
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 4, 2024
2 hours before kickoff: Welcome to today’s live blog! We’ll be bringing you live updates throughout the match, including team news as we get it, as Ronaldo returns to action for this AFC Champions League quarterfinal. Stay tuned.
AFC Champions League Quarterfinals Mode 🔛 pic.twitter.com/ZiwTOPFL3M
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 3, 2024
Al Nassr vs Al Ain kick-off time
This AFC Champions League clash takes place at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE and kicks off on Monday, March 4 at 9 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Mon, Mar. 4 | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Mon, Mar. 4 | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| U.K. | Mon, Mar. 4 | 4:00 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Tue, Mar. 5 | 3:00 a.m. AEST |
| India | Mon, Mar. 4 | 9:30 p.m. IST |
Al Nassr vs Al Ain lineups, team news
Ronaldo is expected to come straight back into the Al Nassr starting line up, with Sami Al-Najei set to make way for the Portuguese veteran.
Al Nassr lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Abdullah (GK) — Boushal, Al Amri, Laporte, Telles — Al Khaibari, Brozovic — Talisca, Otavio, Mane — Ronaldo.
Al Nassr subs: TBC
Al Ain are currently second in the UAE Pro League, but their most famous name is manager Hernan Crespo. Togolese international Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba is the main threat in attack with six AFC Champions League goals already this season.
Al Ain lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Eisa (GK) — Traore, Al-Hashemi, Koumare, Erik — Park, Al Baloushi — Atzili, Romero, Al-Shamsi — Laba.
Al Ain subs: TBC
Al Nassr vs Al Ain live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch the AFC Champions League group match in selected areas of the world’s major regions:
USA: This game is available to stream on Paramount+. New users can currently get a FREE 30-day trial by entering discount code ‘GOAT’ at checkout.
Australia: Paramount+ also has the rights to all Ronaldo’s AFC Champions League outings in Australia.
U.K.: The AFC Champions League can be streamed live in the United Kingdom via TrillerTV.
India: FanCode has the rights to broadcast the AFC Champions League in India.
MORE: How to watch Saudi Pro League in USA | How to watch in UK
