Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 19 February (H.S.): Al Nassr secured their place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026, defeating Turkmenistan's Arkadag FC 1-0 in the second leg for a 2-0 aggregate triumph, even without talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.

The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022, watched from the stands as his team progressed, with media reports indicating he was rested ahead of crucial Saudi Pro League and upcoming continental fixtures. Despite his presence since arriving in Riyadh, Ronaldo has yet to lift a major trophy with the club.

Al Nassr now face UAE outfit Al Wasl in the last eight, with the first leg scheduled for March 3. The Saudi side's disciplined performance underscored their depth beyond the iconic forward.

In the premier AFC Champions League Elite tournament, Japan's trio and South Korea's duo from the East Zone advanced to the Round of 16, joined by Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim and Thailand's Buriram United. Australia's Melbourne City marked only their second such qualification since 2016.Western Zone dominance belonged to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad occupying the top three spots, followed by Iran's Tractor at fourth. Qatar's Al Duhail and Al Sadd, alongside Al Wahda, also progressed. First-leg Round of 16 ties commence on March 2 and 3.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar