Al-Nassr secured a 1-0 victory over Arkadag FC in the AFC Champions League Two round of 16 first leg, despite Cristiano Ronaldo sitting out his third consecutive game. The Portuguese star, 41, has ended his boycott of club matches and is expected to return for the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fateh on February 14, according to sources.

Ronaldo's absence stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the PIF's transfer strategy for Al-Nassr, though he was pictured training with teammates in Riyadh on Wednesday. Abdullah Al-Hamdan scored the decisive goal in Asia's second-tier competition, giving Al-Nassr control heading into next week's return match in Riyadh. The win comes as Ronaldo prepares to rejoin the squad after resolving internal disputes.

Meanwhile, in the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ittihad dominated Al-Gharafa 7-0, with Algeria's Houssem Aouar netting a hat trick. The result secured Al-Ittihad's place in the round of 16 alongside Al Ahli and Al Hilal. As Al-Nassr advances in their tournament, all eyes remain on Ronaldo's imminent return and how his presence might impact their campaign.