Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Al Nassr as they maintained their dominance in the AFC Champions League Elite, defeating Al Gharafa 3-1 in Qatar on Monday. The 39-year-old’s performances pushed Al Nassr closer to the last eight, with only two points needed from their final three group games. After Persepolis drew 1-1 at Al Rayyan, only Al Shorta, who has two points with four games remaining, can prevent Ronaldo’s side from progressing to the next round.

Following a succession of wasted opportunities in the first half at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Nassr captain Ronaldo appeared destined to have a very unhappy game. Al Nassr then doubled their lead in 58 minutes through Angelo Gabriel, a summer transfer from Chelsea, before the Brazilian turned provider six minutes later to set up Ronaldo for his second goal.

The goal brought the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus player to four goals in this season’s renamed competition before being substituted on 74 minutes. Al Gharafa did get one back through Joselu, Ronaldo’s former Madrid teammate. However, their dreams of an unexpected late revival were dashed when Seydou Sano was sent off six minutes before the conclusion of normal time for a second bookable offense.

Super-sub Toney

The Riyadh club now trails only Saudi Arabian rivals Al Ahli, who preserved their perfect record with a double from substitute Ivan Toney to defeat Asian champions Al Ain 2-1 in the UAE and go to the knockout stage for the first time. The England international was left on the bench for the encounter at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, but after being introduced at 65 minutes, he scored within five minutes. First, he headed in Riyad Mahrez’s deep free kick.

Toney, a late window acquisition from English Premier League team Brentford in August, scored the winning goal four minutes later. This time, he finished past Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa after receiving a wonderful long pass from former Manchester City winger Mahrez.

Al Ain, who won the title in April by defeating Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, responded late with a beautiful volley from Kaka. With the victory, Al Ahli has now won all five matches in the renamed competition and leads the Western standings with 15 points. In that section, Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor Tashkent held Iran’s Esteghlal to a goalless draw in Dubai.