Thai club – Buriram United has entered the quarter-finals of the 2024/2025 Asian Cup and has the opportunity to face Al Nassr, the team currently serving the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the second leg of the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League Round of 16, Buriram United won 1-0 against Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia on away field. Suphanat Mueanta (Supachok’s younger brother) was the only goal scorer to help the Thai representative advance to the quarterfinals.

This is the second time in history that the Thai team has advanced to this round, after the first time in 2013 when they stopped in the quarterfinals against Esteghlal (Iran) with a total score of 1-3.

In this year’s quarter-finals, the AFC has changed the format, with teams playing only one match in Saudi Arabia. Teams from East Asia will face opponents from West Asia. So Buriram United will travel to Saudi Arabia to play one of four teams from West Asia.

One of Buriram United’s potential opponents is Al Nassr, the team that owns superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. With the opportunity to meet a West Asian team, Buriram United has a 25% chance to face Ronaldo in the quarter-finals of the 2024/2025 Asian Cup.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Al Nassr booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup after a 3-0 win in the second leg of the round of 16 against Esteghlal, a team from Iran. Notably, Ronaldo was Al Nassr’s only goal scorer in this match when he successfully converted a penalty.

As of the morning of March 12, the AFC has determined 6 out of 8 teams that will participate in the quarter-finals of the 2024/2025 Asian Cup, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia), Al Sadd (Qatar), Yokohama F Marinos (Japan) and Buriram United (Thailand).

The quarter-final draw will be held on 17 March 2025.