Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in UAE for Al Nassr's ACL quarter-final clash with Al Ain

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in the UAE with his Al Nassr teammates, aiming to push the Saudi Pro League side closer to the Asian Champions League title.

Ronaldo returns from a one-match suspension and a fine for making what was deemed an offensive gesture at the end of his side’s 3-2 SPL win at Al Shabab. He is now tasked with leading the charge for Al Nassr in the ACL quarter-final clash with UAE side Al Ain on Monday.

The punishment meant that Ronaldo watched from the sidelines during Thursday’s league game as Al Nassr took the lead four times but ended with a 4-4 draw at home to bottom team Al Hazm. The result left the club in second in the league and nine points behind leaders Al Hilal.

“Ronaldo strengthens the team and ensures that the opponent respects you more but his absence had nothing to do with the result,” said Nassr coach Luis Castro. “The fact is that we are conceding too many goals and the problem is not organisational but due to individual mistakes.”

“The league result will not affect our game in the Asian Champions League as we will be fully focused on that.”

Ronaldo was instrumental in guiding Nassr to the quarter-final stage. The Portuguese star struck the second goal in Nassr’s 2-0 home victory against fellow Saudi side Al Fayha in the round of 16 clash.

Compatriot Otavio opened the scoring at Al Awwal Park on 17 minutes, with Ronaldo making the most of a goalkeeping mistake four minutes from time to secure the result.

A warm welcome