Al-Nassr will face Al-Rayyan in their Matchday 2 game of the 2024–25 AFC Champions League group stage. Here’s your complete guide to the matchup, including key venue information and how to watch the game live, whether you’re tuning in on TV or streaming it online in your country.
Al Nassr’s 2024-25 AFC Champions League campaign got off to a rocky start as the Saudi side, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, could only manage a draw against Al-Shorta. Expected to dominate, Al Nassr failed to capitalize on their chances, leaving them with plenty of work to do. With their eyes set on the top of the group, they’ll now be looking for their first win to jumpstart their tournament run.
Next up, Al Nassr will face Al Rayyan, who are coming off a tough defeat to Al Hilal. Despite the loss, the Qatari side showed flashes of potential against one of the region’s strongest teams. While Al Nassr are considered the favorites in this matchup, they’ll need to remain focused and avoid underestimating Al Rayyan’s ability to bounce back.
Al-Nassr’s Matchday 2 AFC Champions League Clash
Al-Nassr’s hopes for their first win in the AFC Champions League group stage hang on this crucial match against Al-Rayyan. The match kicks off at 10:00 PM (UAE Time) and will be played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This will be the second match for both teams in the group, and both sides will be looking to gain an early advantage in the standings.
Al-Nassr’s Key Players To Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo will be a key player for Al-Nassr in this match. The Portuguese star has been in good form in the Saudi Pro League, having scored 6 goals in 5 matches. He is a proven goal scorer at the highest level and will be looking to open his account in the AFC Champions League.
The team will also rely on other players, including Sadio Mane, Anderson Talisca, and Yacine Brahimi, to provide a strong attacking threat against Al-Rayyan. Al-Nassr’s midfielders, including Talisca and Khaibari, will be vital in controlling the pace of the game and creating opportunities for the forwards.
Al-Rayyan’s Key Players To Watch
Al-Rayyan will be looking to Róger Guedes to lead their attack. The Brazilian winger is a tricky player to defend against and has been in good form in the Qatari league, scoring 3 goals in 4 matches this season. He has the potential to cause problems for Al-Nassr’s defense, particularly with his pace and ability to cut inside from the wing.
Al-Rayyan’s other key players include Trezeguet, a veteran attacker with experience playing in big games. Al-Rayyan’s midfielders will be crucial in dictating the tempo and protecting the backline against Al-Nassr’s potent attack.
How to Watch Al Nassr vs Al Rayyan Live
The game will be broadcast in various countries around the world, with different providers offering live coverage. Here’s a breakdown of where you can catch the match:
- Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador: Star+ at 3:00 PM (Argentina Time)
- Mexico: Fox Sports at 12:00 PM (Mexico Time)
- Spain: DAZN at 8:00 PM (Spain Time)
- United States (East Coast): Paramount+ and Apple TV at 2:00 PM (ET)
- United States (West Coast): Paramount+ and Apple TV at 11:00 AM (PT)
If you can’t watch the match on TV, you can also catch it online via streaming services like Onefootball and Triller TV. You can also check local listings in your country to find out if the match is being shown on other channels.
Al Nassr’s Recent Form
Al-Nassr comes into this match on the back of a strong unbeaten run, having gone seven games without defeat across all competitions. In the Saudi Pro League, they are currently in third place with three wins and two draws. Their first AFC Champions League match ended in a 1-1 draw against Al-Shorta, and they are now aiming for their first win in the group stage.
Al-Rayyan’s Recent Form
On the other hand, Al-Rayyan is struggling, coming off two consecutive league defeats. They also lost their opening AFC Champions League match against Al-Hilal. With head coach Younes Ali recently appointed, the team is still looking for its first win in the competition.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play?
The big question on everyone’s minds is whether Cristiano Ronaldo will play in this game. Ronaldo was out with a virus during the first AFC Champions League match, but he is now back in training and is expected to feature in the match. However, Al Nassr’s new boss Stefano Pioli has suggested that he might rest Ronaldo for this game, in order to save him for the more important matches coming up. This would be a bold move considering the importance of the match, but it is something that Pioli might consider.
The Key to the Match
The match between Al-Nassr and Al-Rayyan is likely to be a close encounter. Al-Nassr are the favorites, but Al-Rayyan will be looking to upset them. The key to the match could be in the midfield. The team that can control the midfield battle will have a much better chance of winning.
Al-Nassr will be looking to stifle Al-Rayyan’s attack, while Al-Rayyan will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Al-Nassr’s defense. If Al-Nassr can keep Ronaldo on the field and make sure he is playing at his best, they will be a tough team to beat. However, Al-Rayyan will be looking to make life difficult for Ronaldo and the rest of Al-Nassr’s attack.
Predictions
This is a tough match to call, but the odds are in favor of Al-Nassr. Al-Nassr is a stronger team on paper, and they will be playing at home. However, Al-Rayyan will be looking to cause an upset, and if they can play well as a unit, they have the potential to pull off a surprise result. Given the importance of the match, I predict that Al-Nassr will narrowly beat Al-Rayyan, with a scoreline of 2-1. It’s a crucial match for both teams as they battle for a top-eight finish in Group B. This will be a fascinating match to watch, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Where to Follow the Game
You can follow the game on social media, using the hashtag #ALNASvsALRAY. You can also check out the official websites of the teams for live updates and commentary. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for all the latest news, match reports, and analysis from the 2024–25 AFC Champions League season.
