Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the FIFA Club World Cup this year following Al Hilal's AFC Champions League final defeat to Urawa Reds.
The Japanese side and the Saudi Arabian Pro League club were level on aggregate following the first leg of the final. However, an Andre Carrillo own goal shortly after half time secured victory for the Tokyo-based club.
Had Al Hilal won the final both themselves and Urawa Reds would have qualified for the Club World Cup which will be held in Saudi Arabia later this year. But, thanks to Urawa's victory, they are the only team who have guaranteed their spot in the Middle East.
ALSO READ: United icon compares Antony with Ronaldo
This means, the Saudi Pro League winners will also qualify for the winter tournament due to their country hosting the competition. Currently, Al Ittihad are in the best position to reach the Club World Cup finals.
They sit three points ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr with five matches of the season remaining. Al Shabab have an outside chance of winning the league too but are six points behind the leaders.
Ronaldo has a brilliant history in the tournament having lifted the trophy on four occasions. His first triumph came with United in 2008 before lifting it in 2014, 2016 and 2017 with Real Madrid.
Whoever wins the Saudi Pro League will join Urawa and the other federations' Champions League winners and Copa Libertadores champions in the finals. Should that be Al Nassr, they would enter at the first round stage with the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League winners.
READ NEXT:
