Nassr braces for Round of 16: Asia's knockout draw approaches

Round of 16 Preview

Al-Nassr, the Saudi club, waits to learn its next opponent in the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16, having already secured qualification to stage of the competition.

Ahead of facing Al-Zawraa of Iraq on Wednesday, in the final group-stage match, Al-Nassr leads Group D with 15 points from the top.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported that Round of 16 draw will be held on December 30 at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Al-Nassr, already atop their group, will face the runners-up from one of the first three groups, playing away leg first and the return at Riyadh stadium.

Possible opponents

Accordingly, the potential opponents for Al-Nassr in the Round of 16 would be the runners-up from the three initial groups, meaning the side could meet Bahrain’s Muharraq, Iran’s Esteghlal, Qatar’s Al-Arabi, Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya, Uzbekistan’s Andijan, Turkmenistan’s Arkadag, Iran’s Sepahan, or Jordan’s Al-Hussein Irbid in the next calendar.

Punchline 1: If Nassr’s planning were any tighter, it would need a better passport than the trophy room.

Punchline 2: The only thing rounder than the ball? The optimism in the press room after the draw.