The AFC Champions League Elite kicked off with excitement and subsequent disappointment in Iraq.
Al Nassr, the Saudi powerhouse, arrived in Kerbala for their opening match against local side Al Shorta, but without their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese icon's absence, attributed to a virus and backed by a doctor's note, sent shockwaves through the football community. Fans, who had eagerly anticipated seeing the global superstar in action, were left crestfallen.
The match at Kerbala Sports City had initially been declared a sellout, with tickets in high demand. However, following the news of Ronaldo's non-appearance, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. Disappointed supporters began offloading their tickets en masse, leading to a sudden influx of available seats.
Social media erupted with a mix of frustration and disbelief. One fan lamented, "I traveled miles to see Ronaldo. This is heartbreaking." Another expressed, "The Champions League without CR7 just isn't the same."
This season marks the inaugural run of the revamped AFC Champions League Elite, featuring a groundbreaking league phase. The new format sees 24 top clubs from across Asia divided into two conferences - East and West. Each team will play home and away matches within their group, totaling 10 games. This round-robin stage aims to intensify competition and provide more consistent, high-quality matches throughout the tournament. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages, ensuring only the elite progress.
Despite the setback, the tournament promises thrilling action as Asia's elite clubs battle for continental supremacy. Al Nassr will need to regroup and prove they're more than a one-man team in Ronaldo's absence, especially given the demanding nature of the new league phase.
