Cristiano Ronaldo's ready to bounce back! Al-Nassr forward sends message to fans following heartbreaking AFC Champions League elimination

Cristiano Ronaldo sought to set the tone as Al-Nassr look to bounce back after their epic AFC Champions League exit.

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Article continues below

• Ronaldo focuses on league after Champions League exit
• Al-Nassr look to put defeat behind them
• Top-three clash with Al-Ahli looms

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portuguese forward cut a frustrated figure on Monday as his side tumbled out of Asia's premier competition on penalties after a chaotic seven-goal thriller against Al-Ain. It's been a difficult period for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr who were clearly rocked by elimination with the final four so tantalisingly close. But the captain looked to settle his team for the tasks ahead.

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• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  "Focused and ready," posted Ronaldo alongside a picture of preparations for Friday night's league encounter with third-placed Al-Hilal.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Al-Nassr need their captain's leadership. Their Champions League elimination came on the heels of two poor Pro League performances, drawing 4-4 with Al-Hazem while Ronaldo served a one-match suspension then crashing to defeat against strugglers Al-Raed at home. With their title hopes all but over as Al-Hilal sweep all before them, they need a positive result to re-energise their campaign.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

  Al-Nassr take on Al-Ahli with both sides struggling for momentum after disappointing campaigns. The action gets underway at King Abdullah Sports City at 1900 UK time.