Al Nassr vs. Istiklol: Who is Leading Right Now, Current Scores, and Match Status

Al-Nassr took an early and resounding lead over Istiklol in their AFC Cup Group D opener at Riyadh's Al-Awwal Park. In Saudi Arabia, the home side leads 2-0 and is comfortably in control as the first half closes in on its completion.Al-Nassr wasted no time and scored the first goal in just 14 minutes. They were rewarded when midfielder Abdulrahman Ghareeb pounced on a loose ball before hitting a brilliant shot into the top corner to send home fans into a frenzy. Just three minutes later, Ângelo Gabriel made it 2-0 with a poacher's finish from inside the area to put Al-Nassr three yards ahead in the 17th minute.Already two ahead, Al-Nassr go looking to get their AFC Cup underway with a win.

Al-Awwal Park has been bouncing as the home crowds have made themselves heard all the way through the first half.

Key moments from the first half

Al-Nassr have been in total control of the pace and flow of the game in the opening stages. Such pressing and incisive passing has made it hard for Istiklol to keep hold of the ball for any lengthy period of time. It was hard work that paid off for Ghareeb's opener, as the ball broke kindly just outside the area for the forward who wasted no time curling it beyond the goalkeeper.

A blizzard or later, Ângelo Gabriel demonstrated fancy feet to slot the ball comfortably into the far corner after a slick move down the right side. It effectively killed off the tie, with Al-Nassr completely in command after that little one-two to knock the wind from Istiklol's sails.

Istiklol, on the other hand, has struggled to go forward, creating only a couple of half-chances which the Al-Nassr goalkeeper was able to deal with comfortably.

And Al-Nassr tirelessly threatened their backline, wingers, and full-backs overlapping at will.Also Read: What Does ‘Siuuu’ Really Mean? Decoding Al Nassr Star Cristiano Ronaldo’s Signature Celebration

What’s at stake in this Group D clash

Such is the importance of the three points in this group stage opener to the ambitions of Al-Nassr in the AFC Cup. There are six matches to be played in Group D and a full slate of matches for next Saturday already, so it is important to get off to a good start, particularly at home.Should Al-Nassr hold this advantage and see off Istiklol, not only do they net three crucial points, but they also have a message for the rest of their group as to their intentions to go deep this campaign.