Aymeric Laporte to the rescue! Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr bailed out by late goal in AFC Champions League win against Esteghal in Dubai

Ronaldo was spotted having a long chat with Sadio Mane before kick-off. While it was hardly audible, the body language suggested that the Portuguese was urging his striker-partner for more link-ups and quick give-and-goes to break down Esteghlal. However, 45 minutes later, the duo hardly combined and the visitors looked sluggish as they strived to slice open a well-drilled defence. Although Ronaldo did create the two best chances for his side in the first-half he was seen shouting at his teammates, urging them to communicate better, before walking down the tunnel shaking his head in disappointment.

The match was clamouring for fresh impetus and Stefano Pioli responded by making three changes before action resumed in the second half. Despite the introduction of fresh faces, their performance hardly improved. The definitive final ball was still elusive and Esteghlal had little trouble keeping them at bay. However, with 10 minutes to go, Ronaldo once again emerged as the saviour with a stunning header from a corner. Although the goalkeeper somehow managed to get his hands on it, the rebound fell kindly for Laporte who made no mistake to tap the ball into a gaping net.

Ronaldo was arguably the best player on the pitch in what was a largely frustrating night for Al-Nassr. The spotlight was firmly on him which opened up spaces for his teammates and the 39-year-old looked to make the most of those. Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, he was the architect behind Al-Nassr's goal which helped them earn the three points on the road.

Mane has blown hot and cold this campaign and the Senegalese was once again an anonymous figure for Al-Nassr during the continental fixture. Soon after taking the lead, Pioli took him off and brought on a 19-year-old Wesley, who put on an impressive cameo and could have even got his name on the scoresheet, but for the woodwork. Warning signs for Mane!

After churning out a hard-fought win in the Champions League, Ronaldo and Co. will shift their focus back on domestic action as they are set to face Al-Kholood away from home on Friday in the Saudi Pro League.