Dubai hosts the summit.. Al-Wasl’s ambition collides with Ronaldo and Al-Nasr

At six o’clock this evening, all eyes will turn to Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, which will be the scene of a high-caliber football match between Al-Wasl and Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, in the quarter-finals of the Al-Gharb region in the AFC Champions League 2, in a confrontation that carries great artistic and historical dimensions, and is classified as one of the most prominent matches of the season on the continental level.

Al Wasl hopes to continue the Emirati supremacy on the continent, after Sharjah Club was crowned in the last edition, as this tournament represents the last hope of the “Emperor” this season, after being away from competing in local tournaments, which puts the team under great pressure to achieve a positive result on its home soil.

Al-Wasl topped their first group with 14 points from six matches, before defeating Iraq’s Al-Zawraa in the round of 16 with a total score of 6-5.

Al-Wasl’s chances against Al-Nasr are enhanced by the fact that it provided distinguished offensive numbers during its continental career, as it scored 21 goals at a high rate that reflects its ability to create opportunities, thanks to the brilliance of Fabio Lima, Serginho, Nicolas Jimenez and Ali Saleh, who formed the striking force on the front line, whether scoring or creating.

But this offensive effectiveness is offset by some defensive fragility, after the team conceded 11 goals, revealing clear gaps in dealing with quick transitions and reverse balls, which Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria sought to remedy during the preparations that preceded the match, as Vitoria is counting on the readiness of Brazilian defender Adrilsson, in addition to the push of the new deal Kurt Zouma, who is expected to give the back line more strength and experience, in the face of an attack that is considered one of the strongest on the continent.

The huge crowd attendance appears to be one of the points that strengthens the Emirati team’s presence in this huge confrontation, after purchasing tickets for the match witnessed an unparalleled demand, with all tickets selling out as soon as they were released.

On the other hand, Al-Nasr enters the confrontation while experiencing one of its best technical periods, led by coach Jorge Jesus, as the team achieved an amazing series of 17 consecutive victories in various tournaments, which made it the first candidate to win the Saudi League title, which has been absent since the 2018-2019 season, after it expanded the gap in the lead to eight points, which gives it a great morale boost before taking on the continental challenge.

Al-Nasr has an arsenal of stars capable of making a difference at any moment, led by international star Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to perform at outstanding levels despite his advanced age, along with other offensive elements such as Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane.

Al-Nasr reached the round with full marks, achieving 8 consecutive victories in the group stage and round of 16.