Houssine Rahimi and Brother Soufiane Lead Al Ain to 4-0 Victory Over Al Nassr
Houssine Rahimi and brother Soufiane led Al Ain to a crushing 4-0 win over Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Elite, overshadowing a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo.
19 Sept 2026, 03:35 UTC

In a stunning opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite on September 16, 2026, Al Ain delivered a masterclass in offensive football, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr 4-0. The match was defined by a dominant "family affair," as Moroccan brothers Houssine Rahimi and Soufiane Rahimi dismantled the Saudi Arabian side's defense to secure a commanding lead for the Emirati club.
The Rahimi Brothers' Dominant Performance
Houssine Rahimi emerged as the primary catalyst for Al Ain's success, scoring twice to put Al Nassr under immediate and sustained pressure. According to Le7tv.ma, he first found the back of the net in the 25th minute, setting the tone for the match, and later secured a brace with a second goal in the 63rd minute. His constant offensive presence ensured Al Ain remained in a position of strength throughout the game.
The victory became a familial celebration in the 72nd minute when Soufiane Rahimi joined his brother on the scoresheet, netting the third goal of the evening. This synergy between the two Moroccan internationals proved too much for Al Nassr to handle. The scoring was eventually completed by Giorgios Giakoumakis in the 85th minute, finalizing the 4-0 scoreline.
Match Impact and Standings
| Player | Goal Minute | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Houssine Rahimi | 25', 63' | 2 Goals |
| Soufiane Rahimi | 72' | 1 Goal |
| Giorgios Giakoumakis | 85' | 1 Goal |
With this victory, Al Ain has started its AFC Champions League Elite campaign in spectacular fashion, currently leading the West Zone standings with three points.
A Frustrating Night for Cristiano Ronaldo
While the Rahimi brothers celebrated, it was a "nightmare" for Cristiano Ronaldo. Beyond the heavy defeat, the Portuguese star faced a hostile atmosphere, with supporters chanting in praise of his long-time rival, Lionel Messi.
Tensions peaked during an altercation where Ronaldo allegedly elbowed an Al Ain player in the throat after being stopped by an opponent. As reported by Le Figaro, despite the incident and subsequent frustrations directed at his teammates and the referee, Ronaldo did not receive a yellow or red card for the action. The match highlighted a stark contrast between the cohesive efficiency of Al Ain's attack and the disjointed struggle of Al Nassr's star-studded lineup.
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