Laporte’s late strike gives Al-Nassr narrow win over Esteghlal in Dubai

DUBAI: Al-Nassr left it late to defeat Esteghlal 1-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite clash on Tuesday but Aymeric Laporte’s header gave the Saudi Pro League club a deserved win.

The goal from the former Manchester City defender in Dubai leaves the Yellows in fourth place on seven points from three games in the group, just two behind leaders and Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal and second place Al-Ahli, with Qatar’s Al-Sadd in third. The three Saudi Arabian teams are all unbeaten so far.

The game, moved from Esteghal’s home of Tehran due to the uncertain security situation in Iran, was a stark contrast to the nine-goal thriller that had taken place 24 hours earlier as Al-Hilal ran out 5-4 winners at Al-Ain.

Despite the big crowd that created an exciting atmosphere in Dubai, there was not much to write home to Riyadh about for much of the match. The Saudi Arabian team had more possession and shots but still an opening goal never really felt like it was coming for a long time.

The first attempt of note came after 18 minutes as Sadio Mane flicked up a smart pass at the edge of the area for Nawaf Bu Washl to volley straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

The next effort was from just outside the area and there was an audible rise in anticipation as Ronaldo collected the ball, but his low shot just flashed wide of the post.

Esteghlal’s closest chance was not that far away as a shot from Jaloliddin Masharipov — the Uzbekistan international who left Al-Nassr 18 months earlier — from 25 meters went just over the bar.

The fact that the first 45 minutes had not been the liveliest from Al-Nassr was reflected by coach Stefano Pioli making three substitutions during the break. On came Ali Lajami, Sultan Al-Ghannam and Ali Al-Hassan.

It did not seem to make much difference, but with 25 minutes remaining, Anderson Talisca came on for the busy Angelo and quickly added some much-needed attacking impetus. The Brazilian was quickly forcing a diving save from Seyed Hosseini and soon after Al-Nassr came their closest yet.

First Ronaldo’s shot from inside the area was blocked by Mohammad Moradmand and while the Portuguese star managed to get hold of the rebound, his second attempt was saved by the goalkeeper and then the ball fell to Talisca, whose shot was deflected wide. While the men in yellow called for a penalty, VAR did not agree.

It was encouraging for Al-Nassr, who continued to pile on the pressure, but time was running out. Otavio got to the byline but his low cross was kicked out for a corner which somehow stayed out. Laporte’s header looked to be going in only for Raphael Silva to head clear and Talisca’s shot was then saved once again.

From the resulting right corner came the breakthrough. Ronaldo, on one of his trademark leaps, sent a powerful header toward the opposite top corner and while Hosseini managed to get a hand to it, there was Laporte to put the ball over the line from close range to give the team a deserved lead and a reward for the growing pressure they had put the Iranians under.

Al-Nassr continued to push forward and almost sealed the win two minutes from time. Otavio found Wesley in the area and the substitute shot against the post. Esteghlal threatened little and remain on three points from the three games so far.

It was another win for Stefano Pioli’s men, who are looking good for a place in the Round of 16 along with their SPL rivals.