Al Nassr faces Arkadag this Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two. The match takes place at Al-Awwal Park, at Riade, at Arábia Saudita, starting at 6:15 pm local time (3:15 pm Brasília time). The Saudis arrive with a 1-0 lead achieved in the first game, played in Ashgabat, at Turcomenistão, where Abdullah Al Hamdan scored the winning goal. The team led by Jorge Jesus seeks to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the continental competition.
The Saudi club is on a positive streak and is looking to maintain its good momentum this season. The team has demonstrated defensive consistency and taken advantage of offensive opportunities well in recent clashes.
Al Nassr confirmed lineup
Coach Jorge Jesus opted for the following starting lineup for the match: Al Aqidi in goal; defense with Al Najdi, Al Sharari, Al Hassan and Boushal; midfield composed of Angelo, Yahya, Ghareeb and Maran; attack led by Al Hamdan. The tactical scheme prioritizes solidity at the rear and quick transitions to explore the spaces left by the opponent. The absence of names like Cristiano Ronaldo is due to squad rotation and physical load management, according to recent decisions by the technical command. Jogadores as well as Brozovic, Coman and João Félix appear among the substitutes and can enter during the match if necessary.
Arkadag Escalation
Arkadag must go to the field with Caryyev in goal; defense formed by Annagulyyev, Byashimov, Saparow and Ballakow; midfield with Hydyrow, Gurbanow, Beknazarow and Mammedov; attack with Sapargulyyev and Meredov. The Turkmen team seeks to reverse the aggregate score and has defensive organization to try to surprise away from home. Coach Mergen Orazov maintains the base he used in the first duel, focusing on counterattacks.
Where to watch live and stream online
The match between Al Nassr and Arkadag will be broadcast live on ESPN 2 and Disney+ on Brasil. Fans can also follow streaming platforms that cover AFC competitions, with narration options in Portuguese. Coverage includes real-time updates from portals specializing in Asian and international football.
Recent history and latest results
Al Nassr comes from eight consecutive victories in different competitions before the first duel. Nos last five games, the team recorded four wins and one draw, with emphasis on the offensive performance. Arkadag had mixed results in the previous phase, with victories at home and difficulties away from home. Nos last five commitments, recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat. In the first match, Al Hamdan’s solitary goal defined the minimum advantage for the Saudis.
Curiosities and details of the confrontation
Al Nassr is competing in the AFC Champions League Two for the first time in its recent history, after participating in previous group stages. The Arkadag represents Turcomenistão football and seeks to advance in a high-level continental competition. Ingressos for the game at Al-Awwal Park were made available online and were in good demand among local fans.
Arbitration and weather forecasting
The arbitration will be defined by the AFC, with a neutral team to guarantee impartiality in the eliminatory duel. Em Riade, the forecast indicates dry weather and mild temperatures at night, with a minimum of 18°C and a maximum of 25°C at match time, with no risk of rain affecting the pitch.
