Southeast Asian fans openly discuss the possibility of Đình Bắc facing Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League Two.

The Southeast Asian fan community is actively debating the chance that Nguyễn Đình Bắc from Công An Hà Nội FC might meet Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two.

After the draw for the knockout stage of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two, the sole Vietnamese football representative is Công An Hà Nội FC (CAHN), who have identified their round of 16 opponent as Singapore’s Tampines Rovers. According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announcement on the afternoon of December 30, CAHN will host the first leg at Hàng Đẫy Stadium before traveling to Singapore for the return leg in February 2026.

This draw quickly attracted significant attention from Southeast Asian fans. On forums and social media, many supporters believe CAHN has a relatively “easier” bracket compared to the overall competition. One fan commented: “A Vietnamese club facing a team from Singapore is very favorable.”

Several opinions even went further by outlining a path to the semifinals and finals. One fan predicted: “CAHN will beat Tampines 3-0”, while another user provided a more detailed analysis: “In the quarterfinals against Bangkok United, semifinals versus Gamba Osaka, and final against Al Nassr”.

During the group stage, Tampines Rovers surprised many by topping Group H with 16 points, scoring 14 goals and conceding only 5, even earning 4 points against Pohang Steelers. Nevertheless, experts still regard CAHN as having a stronger squad, more international experience, and greater depth. Therefore, CAHN is considered a strong contender for a quarterfinal spot, which is understandable.

An Indonesian fan remarked: “Al-Nassr faces a team from Turkmenistan, a club founded in 2023 that gathers the country’s best players. This team has won two national championships with a perfect record—no draws, no losses.”

According to the format of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two, East Asia and West Asia regions compete separately from the round of 16 until regional champions are decided. Only the top two teams from each region meet in the continental final. This means CAHN can only face Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo if they advance all the way to the final.

If CAHN overcomes Tampines Rovers and continues to defeat opponents like Gamba Osaka or Macarthur, they could create a historic moment for Vietnamese football. At that point, Đình Bắc and his teammates will have a rare chance: to compete against Cristiano Ronaldo in a continental final.

This scenario is considered a “dream” for both players and fans. Beyond a high-level sporting contest, a match between a V.League representative and Ronaldo’s club symbolizes the rising status of Vietnamese football on the Asian stage.