Hope rekindled for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr win appeal against Al-Orouba for fielding ineligible player to move back in sight of AFC Champions League Elite qualification

Saudi Pro League relegation battlers, Al-Orouba, managed to stun Al-Nassr in the first week of March with a surprise 2-1 win. Stefano Pioli's side then launched an appeal against Al-Orouba for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in the form of their goalkeeper Rafi Al-Ruwaili, who was the Man of the Match in that clash. Al-Nassr contested that the goalkeeper was not eligible to play against their side as he was a government employee, and the league demanded full-time professional players.

The Saudi Sports Arbitration Centre (SSC) announced on Sunday evening that it had accepted Al-Nassr's appeal against Al-Orouba after Faris Najd had provided documented proof that Al-Ruwaili continued government work. The decision has now handed Al-Nassr an automatic win and a vital extra three points that puts them back in the hunt for AFC Champions League Elite qualification.

Two weeks ago, Al-Nassr were mathematically ruled out of the race to achieve AFC Champions League Elite qualification after their 1-1 draw with Al-Taawoun, as second-placed Al-Hilal gained a seven-point lead with two games left. However, Al-Nassr's win by default has now put them on 70 points, just two points off the last place for AFC Champions League Elite qualification.

Ronaldo and Co will be in action for the last time this season when they take on Al-Fateh on Monday, May 26. To achieve AFC Champions League Elite qualification, Pioli's side will have to get a win and hope that Al-Hilal will lose, as a draw for Mohammad Al-Shalhoub's side would be enough to secure second place via goal difference.