Masharipov vs. Ronaldo: Elite Asian Champions League return match today

Today, March 10, the return matches of the Elite Asian Champions League tournament will take place, including the clash between “Al-Nasr” and “Istiqlol” and the match between “Al-Sadd” and “Al-Wasl.”

Former teammates, now rivals: Masharipov vs. Ronaldo

Uzbek footballer Jaloliddin Masharipov, currently playing for the Iranian club "Istiqlol," will face off against his former club "Al-Nasr" from Saudi Arabia in the return match of the 1/8 finals of the Elite Asian Champions League. Masharipov played for “Al-Nasr” from 2021 to 2023, making 40 appearances and scoring 2 goals. 

In 2023, the club made a high-profile transfer that shocked the world: Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese megastar, joined the team. Masharipov was part of the squad when Ronaldo arrived, even handing him the number 7 shirt. The two players shared the field together for a time before Masharipov decided to leave the Saudi club. After a short stint with Greek team Panserraikos in 2023, Masharipov moved to "Istiqlol" later that year. He now faces his former club in this important tournament, with Ronaldo also in the starting lineup for Al-Nasr.

The first encounter between the teams took place on March 3, 2025, in Iran, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Al-Nasr is considered the favorite in today's return match, as they play at home in front of their fans. Additionally, the squad strength difference is significant, and Ronaldo, who did not travel to Iran for the first match, will be available to help his team today.

AFC is the only hope for both teams

For "Al-Nasr," the Elite Asian Champions League is the only title they can realistically win this season, as the team has already been eliminated from the Saudi championship race. They were also knocked out of the Saudi Royal Cup by "Al-Tawon." The team, led by coach Stefano Pioli, is now fully focused on the Elite Asian Champions League, with Ronaldo aiming to secure his first major trophy with the club.

"Istiqlol," currently sitting 10th in the Iranian championship with 26 points from 21 rounds, has had a mixed domestic season. However, they made it to the quarterfinals of the national cup by defeating Shams Azar Qazvin in the 1/8 finals. Despite their struggles domestically, the team remains focused on the Elite Asian Champions League, which they consider more important than the national cup. “Istiqlol” has also strengthened their squad, adding Joel Kojo, the Kyrgyz national team leader, who spent last season at Dinamo Samarkand. With these additions, the Persian club is set to give the Saudis a serious challenge in today’s return match.

The return match between "Al-Nasr" and "Istiqlol" will kick off today, March 10, at 23:00 Tashkent time.