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via Reuters
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Ettifaq – Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 22, 2023 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo before the match REUTERS/Stringer
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-22T161306Z_1235599084_UP1EJCM191S10_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-SAUDI-ANA-ETT-REPORT.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Soccer Football – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr v Al Ettifaq – Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 22, 2023 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo before the match REUTERS/Stringer
Al Fayha’s coach Vuk Rasovic not-so-subtly stated that he looks forward to defeating Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match. Al Nassr, the Group E champions were drawn to face Group A runner-ups Al Fayha. The first leg of the R16 match will be held between February 12 and 14, 2024. And, the second leg will be held between 19 and 21 February. Though Al Nassr is better off than Al Fayha with regards to their group stage performances, Rasovic badly wants to play and oust Al Nassr.
In the group stage, Al Nassr won four matches and lost none, whereas Al Fayha won three and lost three.
Vuk Rasovic warns Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr before the AFC Champions League match
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After Al Fayha’s draw against Al Nassr, coach Vuk Rasovic spoke to the media regarding the anticipated clash. “I would like to face Al Nassr in Asia, because I have never beaten them before,” said Vuk Rasovic.The Serbian took over as Al Fayha’s manager in 2021. Since then, Al Fayha and Al Nassr have played each other five times. The only times Vasovic’s team came close to a win was when they drew two times against the Riyadh-based club. In three matches, including the most recent meeting, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Alami had the better of Rasovic’s boys.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
🎙️فوك راشوفيتش – مدرب الفيحاء :
أرغب في مواجهة #النصر في آسيا ، لأنه لم يسبق لي أن انتصرت عليه
القرعة تضع الفيحاء أمام #النصر 🔥. pic.twitter.com/XgKh056cMs
— يعقوب . (@X99i3) December 28, 2023
Moreover, Al Fayha stands nowhere close to Al Nassr in the current Saudi League standings. Ronaldo’s side is closely competing in the title race, as they sit second in the League table. Al Fayha, on the other hand, is trailing as the 11th side of the table. This does not, however, mean Al Fayha is not a threat. They are capable of turning tables, despite being a weaker side. They have proved it in 2022.
When Al Fayha and Rasovic pulled some great upsets
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In 2022, Al Fayha made it to the King Cup of Champions final for the first time in the club’s history. They had to face ten-time King Cup champions, Al Hilal in the final. Rasovic and the boys held the ground against the mighty Riyadh-based club till penalties. Then, Fayha scored three penalties to Al Hilal’s one and crowned themselves champions at their first-ever King Cup final appearance.
This time round, Al Fayha is playing the AFC Champions League for the first time. Decent enough for first timers, Vuk Rasovic and co. made it to the first knockout round. Given their history of delivering shocker of a defeat to big teams, Al Fayha will surely up the ante against Al Nassr. Only time will tell Al Nassr will land on the wrong side of history like Al Hilal. What are your predictions for the Al Nassr-Al Fayha match? Tell us in comments below.
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