Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play in India? Al-Nassr FC vs Mumbai City FC loading

In November of last year, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Since then, the 37-year-old has paved the way for other footballing greats from Europe to join the Middle Eastern club. Neymar, another major football icon, joined Al-Hilal this year. The good news for Indian football fans who adore European football is that the stars who moved to Saudi Arabia this year may still be able to play some matches in their country, as Mumbai City FC has announced that they will host their AFC Champions League home matches at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune.

3 things you need to know

• Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo after FIFA World Cup 2022
• Ronaldo is the highest goalscorer in the history of Real Madrid
• Ronaldo is been credited for the popularity that Saudi Pro League has garnered

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The Mumbai Football Arena is not permitted to host AFC Champions League matches due to its current infrastructure. In order to play their three "home" games in the Group Stage of the 2023–24 AFC Champions League, Mumbai City FC will establish a base in Pune. There are (slight) chances that Ronaldo might play a game in Pune if Al Nassr and Mumbai City FC draw and the match is played at Mumbai FC's stadium. 

Pune was chosen as the club's "home" for the AFC Champions League because Mumbai City FC is the only top-division football club from the state of Maharashtra. This decision was made as part of Mumbai City FC's vision to support the development of football in the state. The Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex is the closest football-specific stadium to Mumbai and helps Mumbai City FC to maintain close proximity for fans travelling from Mumbai. It has a long history of hosting elite football.

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Al Nassr defeated Shabab Al-Ahil

While the fresh Saudi Pro League season did not start as the club would have liked, Al-Nassr finally got some return in the other tournament, i.e., the AFC Champions League, where they emerged victorious. However, they were made to give out their all on the pitch. After taking the lead in the 11th minute, courtesy of a brilliant header by Talisca, Al Nassr suffered a double whammy by Yaya Al-Ghassani. The team endured a frustrating spell throughout the game before an eventual equaliser by Sultan Al-Ghannam in the 88th minute. In the added minutes, Al-Nassr made further acceleration and got a two-goal cushion.