Shock as Cristiano Ronaldo's match with Al Nassr attract unbelievably low attendance

In the final match of the AFC Champions League Two group stage, Al Nassr delivered a masterclass performance by crushing Iraqi side Al Zawra 5-1. The goals came from a variety of players, with Kingsley Coman scoring twice, while Wesley, Abdulelah Al Amri, and Joao Felix each added a goal to the tally. This victory allowed the Saudi Arabian side to finish the group stage with a perfect record.

The match also gained significant attention because it marked Ronaldo's debut in the AFC Champions League Two this season. The Portuguese legend made an immediate impact by providing a delicate assist for his younger compatriot, Felix, to score. 

However, even with one of the greatest players in history on the pitch and a high-scoring game, the atmosphere at Al Awwal Park remained quiet. The 8,575 spectators present represented only 34% of the stadium's total capacity, a disappointing figure for an event featuring Ronaldo.

Some analysts suggest the low attendance may be because this competition is the AFC Champions League Two, which is considered the second tier of Asian continental football. Under the management of Jorge Jesus, the team did not prioritize this competition during the group stages. 

Nevertheless, statistics indicate a broader trend of declining interest among Saudi fans. Since the 2024/25 season began, attendance at Al Awwal Park has dropped compared to previous years, especially when compared to the seasons when Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League title.

Interestingly, this 34% occupancy rate is not even the lowest recorded recently. Last season, a match against Al Khaleej saw only 6,000 fans, which is just 24% of the stadium's capacity. Many believe the primary reason for this decline is that Ronaldo has yet to lead the club to a major trophy since his arrival in the Middle East. This lack of silverware seems to have cooled the initial excitement of the local supporters.

Fortunately, Al Nassr’s form on the pitch is currently excellent. In the Saudi Pro League, they have won all 9 of their opening matches, placing them 4 points ahead of rivals Al Hilal. Fans now wait to see if these winning performances can eventually bring the crowds back to the stadium.