World superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to take the field for his new club Al-Nasr in the 1/8 final of the AFC Champions League against Arkadag.
Arkadag was founded by former Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, whose son is now in office. The team has dominated the domestic league, winning all matches over the past three seasons and securing three consecutive national championships.
This year, Arkadag has scored 105 goals and conceded 15 in 28 matches, while last season they recorded 147 goals and conceded 20 in 30 games. Rival fans have repeatedly raised concerns about refereeing favoring the team.
The club’s winning streak was only interrupted by AFC Champions League matches. In 2024, Arkadag won over 40 consecutive games, but the official world record remains with Al-Hilal, who won 34 consecutive matches.
Arkadag represents the newly built city of the same name, named after Berdymukhamedov’s official title, which translates as “Protector.” Ronaldo will face this extraordinary team in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
