AFC Champions League Playoff Preview: Shanghai Port Rely on Wu Lei, While Al Nassr Are More Than Just Cristiano Ronaldo

On August 22, the AFC Champions League playoffs continue, with Chinese Super League (CSL) teams back in full force this season. Among them, Shanghai Port, the prospective CSL champions, have the responsibility to secure a victory at home against BG Pathum United. Despite his struggles in Spain, Wu Lei remains a potent threat on the Asian stage. Meanwhile, judging by the high-profile signings made by Al Nassr, failure to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage would not only be detrimental to them but also to their opponents. After all, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to score, and a place in the tournament seems almost non-negotiable for the Saudi club.

Shanghai Port vs. BG Pathum United: Wu Lei Still China's Best Forward

Shanghai Port finished fourth in the CSL last season, necessitating their participation in the AFC Champions League playoff round this year. With the easing of the pandemic, Chinese teams will no longer forfeit or field youth squads in the AFC Champions League. Instead, they are now in a position to reclaim their stature. Since the events that unfolded late last year, Shanghai Port has faced immense challenges both on and off the field, yet they have shown remarkable resilience. They have emerged as the most consistent team in the CSL this season. With only seven rounds remaining, they lead second-placed Shandong Taishan by 12 points, making the title virtually theirs to lose.

The main factor behind this resurgence has undoubtedly been the return of Wu Lei. Despite facing criticism at the national team level and failing to find his footing in Spain, Wu Lei has proven to be the best forward in the CSL upon his return. Since rejoining Shanghai Port last season, he scored 13 goals in just 16 appearances. He currently sits atop the scoring charts this season as well. Wu Lei was the last domestic player to break the foreign stranglehold on the CSL Golden Boot, and he is poised to achieve that feat again this season.

BG Pathum United earned their place in the AFC Champions League playoff round after finishing as runners-up in the Thai League Cup last season. The club won the Thai League 1 in 2019 and has since become a fixture in the top division. In their debut Thai League 1 season, they sensationally clinched the title, completing what many have called the “Kaiserslautern Miracle” of Thailand. This season marks their third consecutive AFC Champions League appearance. In their previous two campaigns, BG Pathum United advanced from the group stage both times, and last season they reached the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly eliminated by eventual champions Urawa Red Diamonds. This wealth of recent experience in the competition arguably gives them an edge over Shanghai Port.

However, on paper, Shanghai Port has the stronger squad, better current form, and the added advantage of playing at home. Given these factors, they are expected to secure a 3-1 victory over BG Pathum United and advance to the group stage.

Al Nassr vs. Shabab Al Ahli: Could Ronaldo Miss Out on the AFC Champions League?

The Saudi Pro League is no longer a competition that only garners local interest. With expanded investments, nearly a quarter of Europe's top-tier players have now moved to Saudi Arabia. As East Asian football fans, the most eagerly anticipated development would be a mixed grouping in the AFC Champions League. The current Al Nassr squad — featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozović, Aymeric Laporte, and Otavio — appears more like a European team. Since the Saudi Arabian Football Federation restricts its domestic players from moving abroad, the strategy to elevate local football standards has been to bring Europe’s top talents to perform in the Middle Eastern nation. It's an ingenious tactic.

Despite having Ronaldo on board last season, Al Nassr finished only as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League, thus finding themselves in the AFC Champions League playoff. Remarkably, Ronaldo climbed to fifth place in the scoring charts despite joining midway through the season, quickly earning the respect of fans. However, Al Nassr’s start to the new Saudi Pro League season has been surprisingly underwhelming, with two defeats in their opening matches, leaving them just above the relegation zone.

In stark contrast, Shabab Al Ahli’s roster is considerably more "Asian" in nature. While the team does have several foreign players from Brazil and Argentina, they lack the star power of their Saudi counterparts. Interestingly, Shabab Al Ahli also has an Israeli player in their ranks, which has raised some eyebrows. They won the UAE Pro League last season, but due to the league's overall lower ranking, they still have to compete in the AFC Champions League playoff round. Before last season, few would have expected a Dubai-based team to be overshadowed in terms of “financial muscle” by another club.

Should Al Nassr fail to win this match, the backlash would be significant — from fans, sponsors, and even the AFC itself. Ronaldo and his teammates are expected to secure a convincing 4-0 win and advance to the group stage.

The Return of Wu Lei: A Crucial Asset for Shanghai Port

Wu Lei’s return has been nothing short of transformative for Shanghai Port. After his challenging stint in Spain, where he struggled to find regular playing time and was criticized for his performances, Wu Lei has found his stride back in Asia. Since returning to the CSL, he has once again become a dominant force. His 13 goals in 16 appearances last season were vital for Shanghai Port, and his current form sees him leading the goal-scoring charts this season as well.

Wu Lei’s ability to score in the CSL is a testament to his quality, especially considering he is the last Chinese player to break the foreign players' monopoly on the Golden Boot. This season, he looks set to achieve that feat once again, reminding everyone why he remains China’s most reliable striker. Wu Lei’s experience and knack for finding the back of the net will be key in Shanghai Port's quest to reach the AFC Champions League group stage.

Al Nassr’s Bold Strategy: Beyond Ronaldo

While much of the focus on Al Nassr is centered around Ronaldo, the club’s ambitions are clearly broader. The signing of several top European players like Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozović, Aymeric Laporte, and Otavio underlines their determination to build a squad that can compete not only domestically but also on the continental stage. Despite a rocky start to the new season, Al Nassr’s strategy is to rely on a mix of world-class talent and local players to create a formidable team.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the talismanic figure at Al Nassr, and his contributions on and off the pitch continue to draw attention. His swift rise to the fifth spot on the goal-scoring chart last season after just half a season in Saudi Arabia speaks volumes about his enduring quality. However, for Al Nassr, simply having Ronaldo is not enough; they need to translate their star-studded roster into victories. The match against Shabab Al Ahli is a crucial test, and failing to qualify for the group stage would be a significant setback.

The Stakes for Both Teams: Reputations and Expectations

Both Shanghai Port and Al Nassr face high stakes in their respective playoff matches. For Shanghai Port, this is an opportunity to re-establish themselves on the Asian stage after a difficult period, both on and off the field. With Wu Lei in fine form, they have a chance to make a statement and show that they are once again serious contenders in the AFC Champions League.

For Al Nassr, the stakes are arguably even higher. As one of the most high-profile clubs in Asia, they are expected to be in the AFC Champions League group stage, especially given their recent investments. With a squad filled with international stars, anything less than qualification would be a disappointment.

In the end, both Shanghai Port and Al Nassr are looking to make their mark in the AFC Champions League. With key players like Wu Lei and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, both teams will be aiming to not just win their playoff matches but also to assert themselves as formidable forces on the Asian football scene.