Ashgabat Decorated with Banners Ahead of Arkadag vs Al-Nassr Match

The capital of Turkmenistan is actively preparing to host one of the most important sporting events of the season — the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16. The reigning champions of Turkmenistan, Arkadag FC, will face Saudi Arabia’s top club, Al-Nassr.

Ahead of the international match, thematic displays have been installed along Ashgabat’s main streets and squares. Colorful banners and modern video screens now decorate the city, calling on fans to unite behind the country’s strongest team.

Arkadag FC approaches the match in excellent condition. After completing a training camp in Türkiye, the team returned to the capital and began final preparations at the Olympia Stadium. It should be recalled that the Turkmen side successfully advanced from the group stage, finishing second in Group B.

The match has attracted significant international attention due to the presence of world-class players in Al-Nassr’s squad. Players expected to arrive in Ashgabat include Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix (Portugal), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Kingsley Coman (France), Iñigo Martínez (Spain), Marcelo Brozović (Croatia), Bento Krepski and Gabriel Angelo (Brazil).

According to Transfermarkt, the total market value of Al-Nassr’s players amounts to €133.4 million.

The match will take place on February 11 and kick off at 18:45 Ashgabat time. The return leg is scheduled for February 18 in Riyadh. Hosting such a high-level competition once again confirms Ashgabat’s status as a modern regional sports hub with advanced infrastructure for international events.