Red card helps Ronaldo's Al-Nassr win Asian Champions League opener
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr made their numerical advantage count against 10-man Persepolis in Tehran's empty Azadi Stadium on Tuesday as the Saudi Pro League side kicked off their Asian Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over the Iranians.
Victory came after the hosts had Milad Sarlak sent off for a second bookable offence seven minutes into the second half when the Iranian stepped on Ronaldo's foot during a midfield tussle.
Ten minutes later the former Real Madrid striker released Marcelo Brozovic into the penalty area to unlock the stubborn hosts, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb scoring the opener through a deflected strike from the Croatian's cutback.
Mohammed Qassem doubled Al-Nassr's lead in the 72nd in the Group E encounter as he lashed his shot into the roof of Alireza Beiranvand's net from a tight angle on the left to seal the win.
Leaving Tehran with 3 points
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