Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A late header from Aymeric Laporte gave Al-Nassr a 1-0 win over Iranian club Esteghlal in the Asian Champions League Elite group stage on Tuesday, confirming Saudi Arabia’s impressive start in the competition.

After three games in the group stage, the country’s three representatives are all undefeated. Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are the only teams in first and second place with nine points, while Al-Nassr moves into fourth place, just two points behind.

Due to the security situation in Iran, the game was moved from Tehran to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

“Al-Nassr fans came out in large numbers to support us and it was nice to see them win,” said coach Stefano Pioli. “I’m happy with the performance, it was a difficult game under difficult conditions, but we were able to get the win.”

The chances were slim until the final phase. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had two shots blocked and one that went wide, sent a powerful header into the top corner and while it was parried, former Manchester City defender Laporte headed the rebound home from close range with nine minutes left .

Elsewhere in the western group, Dubai club Al-Wasl won 2-1 at Al-Gharafa of Qatar.

In the East Zone, Gwangju FC of South Korea is still the only team with a perfect record after a 2-1 win over Johor Darul Tazim of Malaysia.

The Central Coast Mariners, Australia’s only participant, lost 3-2 at Shanghai Port and remain without a point.

Three-time champion Pohang Steelers of South Korea lost 1-0 to Buriram of Thailand, while the Sino-Japanese clash between Shandong Taishan and Yokohama F.Marinos ended 2-2.

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