Al Ain vs Al Nassr LIVE - Confirmed starting lineups & pre-match updates for AFC Champions League Elite clash
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Al Ain will begin their 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite campaign at home when they welcome Al Nassr to Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 15. The UAE side have made a mixed start to the season, while Al Nassr head into their continental opener in strong domestic form.
Nassr have won four of their last five matches, including a 2-1 victory over Abha, while Al Ain have failed to win any of their last three. Ange Postecoglou’s side will also be looking to build on their recent success against Al Ain after winning 5-1 in their last meeting in November 2024.
Players to watch out for
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Georgios Giakoumakis (Al Ain)
Giakoumakis provides Al Ain with a physical presence in the final third and will be important against a defence that can be vulnerable when stretched. His movement alongside Jonatas Santos could be crucial for the hosts.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Ronaldo remains Nassr’s biggest attacking threat. The Portuguese forward has already scored three goals in the Saudi Pro League this season. He recently moved to 979 career goals after scoring against Abha.
Match Facts
- Al Nassr have won four of their last five matches.
- Al Ain are without a win in their last three matches.
- Al Nassr defeated Al Ain 5-1 in their last meeting.
- Al Nassr have won three of the five previous AFC Champions League meetings between the sides.
Injury & team news
Al Ain currently have no unavailable players listed ahead of their opening AFC Champions League Elite fixture. Vladimir Ivić can therefore expect to have his main squad available for the contest.
Al Nassr will be without Sultan Al-Ghannam, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. The defender is not expected back until January 2027.
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