'Football justice was not with us' - Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro 'not afraid of being fired' as he congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo & Co despite painful AFC Champions League exit

CR7 had headed into the second leg of a quarter-final clash with Al Ain vowing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. He delivered on that promise in part, as a thrilling 4-3 victory took the tie to spot-kicks, but Al-Nassr's dreams of savouring continental glory are over.

That is because – despite Ronaldo converting from 12 yards in extra-time and in a shootout – Al-Nassr missed three penalties to bow out of the Champions League. Castro said afterwards: “Football justice was not with us. We practised penalty kicks and the players have the responsibility to take them. Individual mistakes are our responsibility, including injuries and suspensions. We had 30 shots on Al Ain's goal, we had opportunities in the game and the second half was better than the first. These are difficult moments for us, but I congratulate the players on the game, taking into account the difficulties we suffered.”

Castro added on the questions of his future, with the Portuguese under pressure to deliver tangible success: “My only sadness is not being able to send Al-Nassr fans home happy. We may still be able to win the Copa del Rey and the Super Cup, but we may also not win. If you want to know if my work is good or bad, ask the players about my work. I am not afraid of being fired. My presence at Al-Nassr is because of my hard work, and I am not here just for the results. The Arab world debates results, not actions. Life is not just this.”

Al-Nassr will be back in action on Friday when facing Al-Ahli. Saudi Pro League title glory is already beyond them, with Al-Hilal having opened up a 12-point lead at the summit as they remain unbeaten through 23 top-tier fixtures this season.