The fierce competition continues in the last eight of the AFC Champions League, which has been won four times, with Riyadh Crescent finishing fourth in the pre-Saudi League and first in the pre-Gulf League.
In their last match, Riyadh Crescent lost to La Liga giants Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final. Although they lost, they made new history. Riyadh Crescent is also the title rival of Ronaldo's home team in the Saudi League. This shows that Riyadh Crescent are good, while Dubai Young Nationals are undefeated in 6 consecutive matches before the tournament, and there is not much difference between the two teams on paper. However, as Riyadh Crescent have more experience in the AFC Champions League and are playing at home, more than 80% of fans are optimistic that Riyadh Crescent can beat their rivals at home to advance.
Riyadh Crescent started with tough players such as Marega, Chinese Super League veteran Ighalo and Zhang Hyun-soo, while Dubai Young Nationals started with tough players such as Hribin and Ghassani.
In the 18th minute, Marega sent in a brilliant cross that Ighalo got to hit the top of the arc and hit the opponent's goal with one foot.
Jang Hyun-soo's header helped Riyadh Crescent extend their lead in the 74th minute.
In the 80th minute, Salem knocked in a cross and Bieto put the ball in with his heel from the right side of the box to help Riyadh Crescent seal the win.
Khribin pulled a goal back in the 87th minute.
In the end, Riyadh Crescent beat Dubai Young Nationals as expected to reach the last eight.
