Ronaldo's AFC Champions League match unexpectedly postponed

The AFC Champions League Two quarter-final match pitting Al Nassr, the club with Cristiano Ronaldo, against Al Wasl has been postponed because of the rising tensions in the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr has had its AFC Champions League Two quarter-final against Al Wasl postponed due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

In light of the situation, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed the postponement of several matches, including the first-leg fixtures of the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16. Similarly, the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals have also been postponed. Al Nassr is among the teams affected.

The team, currently leading the Saudi Pro League, was scheduled to visit Al Wasl in Dubai for the quarter-final, but the match will not proceed as planned, and a new schedule has yet to be determined.

In its announcement, the AFC stated that due to the complex developments in the Middle East, the first-leg matches of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Elite West Zone round of 16, originally scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2026, will be rescheduled. Furthermore, the first-leg quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League in this region, planned for the period of March 3-4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice. Matches for teams in the East Zone will proceed as originally scheduled. The AFC affirmed it will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of players, teams, officials, and fans.

The match postponement occurs amidst concerns from both Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team regarding Ronaldo's physical condition after an injury sustained during the 3-1 victory over Al Fahya last Saturday. Following the match, Coach Jorge Jesus stated that Ronaldo is suffering from muscle overload and the medical team will soon conduct necessary examinations to determine his specific condition. Earlier, the forward had also missed a penalty kick. The postponement of matches may provide the Portuguese superstar additional time to recover.

Meanwhile, matches in the East Zone, including Gamba Osaka versus Ratchaburi FC and Bangkok United facing Tampines Rovers, will still take place as planned.