Saudi Arabia : Talking points from the week in Asian football:
AL-NASSR STAY TWO POINTS CLEAR DESPITE RONALDO PENALTY MISS
Al-Nassr FC maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with a 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha FC on Saturday despite a missed penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Real Madrid CF forward dragged his spot-kick wide in the 11th minute and an own goal by Abdulelah in first-half stoppage time handed the hosts a surprise lead at the break.
But Sadio Mane equalised in the 72nd minute before an own goal from goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera sealed the win for Jorge Jesus’ side. Al-Nassr remain ahead of second-placed Al-Ahli Saudi FC, who secured a 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh SC.
NEWCASTLE JETS LEAD CUT AFTER MARINERS DRAW
Newcastle Jets FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Central Coast Mariners FC on Friday, dropping points for the first time in nine matches as their lead in the A-League was trimmed to two points by Auckland FC.
Auckland eased to a 3-0 win over Melbourne City FC with goals from Logan Rogerson, Jesse Randall and Guillermo May securing the points for Steve Corica’s side.
Sydney FC sit third after a 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix FC.
KASHIMA GO TOP AFTER FIVE-GOAL THRILLER
Kashima Antlers moved to the summit of the eastern conference standings in the J-League 100 Year Vision tournament with a 3-2 win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
Former leaders Tokyo Verdy slipped to third after losing to Yokohama F. Marinos, while Machida Zelvia climbed to second with a 2-1 victory against JEF United Chiba.
In the western conference, Kyoto Sanga FC went top after a 2-1 win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
LATE PENALTY EARNS BUCHEON WIN OVER JEONBUK
An injury-time penalty from Jefferson Galego gave Bucheon FC 1995 a 3-2 win over defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on the opening weekend of the K-League 1 season.
Five-times champions Ulsan HD FC began with a 3-1 victory over Gangwon FC, while FC Seoul defeated Incheon United FC 2-1.
Pohang Steelers drew 1-1 with Gimcheon Sangmu FC and Jeju SK FC played out a goalless draw with Gwangju FC.
MONTGOMERY CLAIMS FIRST TITLE WITH BEIJING
Beijing Guoan FC won the Chinese FA Super Cup on Sunday as new coach Nick Montgomery guided his side to a 2-0 victory over Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Port FC.
Brazilian midfielder Dawhan opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Cao Yongjing added a second six minutes from time to seal the win.
