TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo was absent as Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia and Esteghlal of Iran drew 0-0 in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite second round on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League opener due to an unexpected legal dilemma from 2023. Discover the shocking reason behind his absence.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr side will look to turn around a run of indifferent form against Iran's Esteghlal in Tehran on Monday as the Asian Champions League Elite moves into the knockout phase.

Cristiano Ronaldo can take a major step towards the Asian Champions League elite title in Iran on Monday, though Al-Nassr is not the only Saudi Arabian club in contention for the big prize. Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy since signing for the Riyadh club in December 2022 and victory over Esteghlal of Tehran in the two-legged Round of 16 tie would mean a place in the last eight for Al-Nassr.

Jhon Duran failed to deliver in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as Al-Nassr were held to a goalless draw by Esteghlal.

Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel with Al-Nassr’s squad to Iran for their AFC Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match against Esteghlal on Monday, according to local media reports.The decision to rest the Portuguese captain was made after consultation between the coaching and medical staff due to muscle fatigue.