Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly declared that Al-Nassr will prevail against Al Ain and “pass to the semi-finals” of the AFC Champions League.

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Al-Nassr trail quarter-final clash with Al AinSecond leg taking place on home soilPortuguese icon confident of progressGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Saudi Pro League side currently trail their quarter-final encounter with opponents from the UAE courtesy of a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of a heavyweight contest. They will get the opportunity to overturn that deficit on Monday when they return to home soil in Riyadh.

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Ronaldo is confident that Al-Nassr will prevail, telling reporters at a pre-match press conference: “We are ready, we are prepared and we believe that we will have a very good night. I have the opportunity now to say to all the fans in the stadium ‘be with us, be positive’ because we players, we are very positive that we are going to change the first game and we are going to pass to the semi-finals – this is what we believe.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo has also sent a “ready to turn this around” message on social media, with Al-Nassr going through their final preparations ahead of a crucial clash that will keep them on course for major silverware in 2024, or see those dreams dashed.

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Evergreen Ronaldo, who is now 39 years of age, continues to lead by example and inspire those around him. He has registered 34 goals across all competitions this season and has grown accustomed over the course of his remarkable career to collecting trophies on an annual basis.