Harry who?! Watkins makes England case as Kane watches on

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

Top 25 African players of the 21st century - ranked

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

Mendes responds to Ronaldo criticism of Portugal players

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Raphinha surprises wonderkid Yamal with £10k gold iPhone

Real Madrid midfielder announces shock retirement in emotional letter

Rodri admits he wouldn't have even chosen Vinicius Jr. as Ballon d'Or runner-up

‘Can't think long term’ – Ronaldo admits he may not reach 1,000 goals

Twellman reportedly investigated for physical altercation

Endrick set to be offered 'escape route' out of Real Madrid

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Al-Nassr beat Esteghal 1-0 in ACL</li><li>Laporte emerged as difference-maker</li><li>Ronaldo played crucial part in goal</li><li>Claiming <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/betting/free-bets/blt837da0a3a4ead7bf" target="_blank">welcome offers</a> is the easiest way to claim free football bets with UK betting sites</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Aymeric Laporte to the rescue! Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr bailed out by late goal in AFC Champions League win against Esteghal in Dubai

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Qadasiya

AFC Champions League Elite

Esteghlal

Pakhtakor Tashkent

<p>Ronaldo was spotted having a long chat with Sadio Mane before kick-off. While it was hardly audible, the body language suggested that the Portuguese was urging his striker-partner for more link-ups and quick give-and-goes to break down Esteghlal. However, 45 minutes later, the duo hardly combined and the visitors looked sluggish as they strived to slice open a well-drilled defence. Although Ronaldo did create the two best chances for his side in the first-half he was seen shouting at his teammates, urging them to communicate better, before walking down the tunnel shaking his head in disappointment.</p><p>The match was clamouring for fresh impetus and Stefano Pioli responded by making three changes before action resumed in the second half. Despite the introduction of fresh faces, their performance hardly improved. The definitive final ball was still elusive and Esteghlal had little trouble keeping them at bay. However, with 10 minutes to go, Ronaldo once again emerged as the saviour with a stunning header from a corner. Although the goalkeeper somehow managed to get his hands on it, the rebound fell kindly for Laporte who made no mistake to tap the ball into a gaping net.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p><strong>Ronaldo </strong>was arguably the best player on the pitch in what was a largely frustrating night for Al-Nassr. The spotlight was firmly on him which opened up spaces for his teammates and the 39-year-old looked to make the most of those. Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, he was the architect behind Al-Nassr's goal which helped them earn the three points on the road. </p>

THE MVP

<p><strong>Mane </strong>has blown hot and cold this campaign and the Senegalese was once again an anonymous figure for Al-Nassr during the continental fixture. Soon after taking the lead, Pioli took him off and brought on a 19-year-old Wesley, who put on an impressive cameo and could have even got his name on the scoresheet, but for the woodwork. Warning signs for Mane!</p>

THE BIG LOSER

<p>After churning out a hard-fought win in the Champions League, Ronaldo and Co. will shift their focus back on domestic action as they are set to face Al-Kholood away from home on Friday in the Saudi Pro League. </p>

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐

Aymeric Laporte to the rescue! Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr bailed out by late goal in AFC Champions League win against Esteghal in Dubai | Goal.com

Aymeric Laporte scored the decisive goal as Cristiano Ronaldo&apos;s Al-Nassr edged out Esteghal in the AFC Champions League in Dubai.