Ronaldo cuts a frustrating figure as UAE's Al Ain thrash Al Nassr 4-0

All eyes were on Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as Saudi giants Al Nassr travelled to the UAE to face Al Ain FC in the AFC Champions League.

However, the spotlight quickly shifted away from Ronaldo as Moroccan forward Houssine Rahimi produced a stunning performance to lead Al Ain to a commanding 4-0 victory at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Rahimi Puts Al Ain Ahead

Al Ain made a flying start, with Rahimi hitting the post in just the second minute after receiving a defence-splitting pass from Alejandro Romero.

The hosts continued to threaten and eventually opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Al Nassr defender Saad Al Nasser made a costly error with a backpass, allowing Rahimi to intercept the ball and fire it through goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi’s legs into the bottom-left corner.

Al Nassr tried to respond, with Mohamed Simakan heading over the bar from a corner in the 38th minute. Ronaldo was then caught offside moments later.

Al Ain Maintain Their Intensity

The hosts continued to control much of the game after the break. Rahimi initially missed an opportunity in the 60th minute when his first-time effort went straight at Al Aqidi.

Just three minutes later, however, the Moroccan striker made no mistake. After receiving a pass from Romero across the face of goal, Rahimi produced another first-time finish that flew beyond the diving Al Nassr goalkeeper.

Soufiane Rahimi Adds a Third

Al Ain extended their advantage in the 72nd minute through Soufiane Rahimi, turning the match into a family affair.

Once again, Romero was involved, supplying the pass for Soufiane to move in from the left before calmly sweeping the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Giakoumakis Completes the Rout

Al Ain completed a memorable night in the 85th minute.

Giorgos Giakoumakis exchanged passes with Soufiane Rahimi before drilling a low shot into the bottom-left corner, leaving Al Aqidi with no chance.

Al Ain Make a Statement

The emphatic 4-0 victory gave Al Ain an impressive opening win in the AFC Champions League. While Ronaldo and Al Nassr entered the contest with much of the attention on them, Houssine Rahimi and his teammates ensured that it was Al Ain who dominated the headlines at the final whistle.