HONG KONG: Talking points from the week in Asian football:
RONALDO PUTS SEAL ON AL-NASSR WIN AS GAP CUT TO SEVEN POINTS
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr trimmed Al-Hilal's advantage at the top of the Saudi Pro League to seven points on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Al-Taawon.
The 38-year-old Portuguese striker scored his side's fourth goal in the 92nd minute, completing a comeback victory after Al-Taawon had taken the lead through Ashraf El Mahdioui in the 13th minute.
Marcelo Brozavic levelled the score 13 minutes later before Aymeric Laporte and Otavio put Al-Nassr ahead, with Ronaldo applying the finishing touch with a close-range header.
VICTORY END YEAR ON SUMMIT WITH WIN OVER ADELAIDE UNITED
Melbourne Victory moved into pole position in the A-League on Saturday as Tony Popovic's side handed Adelaide United a 2-0 defeat.
Zinedine Machach and Bruno Fornaroli scored in the final 17 minutes as Victory remained unbeaten 10 games into the second and climbed above Wellington Phoenix on goal difference.
Wellington led going into the 10th round of fixtures but slipped to a 3-1 loss against Sydney FC, while Melbourne City handed out an 8-1 thrashing to Brisbane Roar on Thursday.
KEWELL REPLACES MUSCAT AS NEW YOKOHAMA F MARINOS MANAGER
Japan's Yokohama F Marinos have appointed former Australia and Leeds United forward Harry Kewell as the club's new manager, the J League outfit announced on Sunday.
The 45-year-old replaces Kevin Muscat, who departed at the end of the recently concluded season, when Marinos finished runners-up behind Vissel Kobe in the title race.
"I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Yokohama F Marinos," Kewell said. "We will work together as we aim to bring success to the club. The hard work begins now."
SAUDI CLASH FOR AL-NASSR IN ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16
Al-Nassr will face fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League with four-time winners Al-Hilal due to take on Iran's Sepahan when the continental club championship returns in February.
Jeddah's Al-Ittihad, the tournament's fourth Saudi Pro League outfit, will face Uzbekistan's Navbahor, while compatriots Nasaf were drawn to play former champions Al-Ain from the UAE.
The eastern side of the draw will see South Korean sides Jeonbuk Motors and Pohang Steelers meet, and Ulsan Hyundai will take on Japan's Ventforet Kofu.
Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan will play Japan's Kawasaki Frontale Thailand's Bangkok United take on 2022 J.League champions Yokohama F Marinos. - REUTERS