Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from Al-Nassr’s squad during their thrilling 2-1 victory over second-tier side Al-Hazem in the King’s Cup round of 32. Despite the Portuguese superstar’s absence, Al-Nassr clinched a late win to advance to the next round, with goals from Sadio Mane and Nawaf Boushal sealing the victory.
Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Left Out?
Al-Nassr’s head coach, Stefano Pioli, decided to rest Ronaldo for this fixture to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming Saudi Pro League match against Al-Wehda and a crucial AFC Champions League game against Al-Rayyan. Ronaldo, who recently recovered from a virus, featured in Al-Nassr’s previous 3-0 win over Al-Ettifaq, where he also found the back of the net. This strategic decision to rest the 39-year-old allows him to remain fresh for future challenges as the season intensifies.
Recent Challenges and Recovery
Ronaldo’s recovery from illness had sidelined him from Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League opener against Al-Shorta, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. However, he made a strong return to action against Al-Ettifaq, helping his team secure a comfortable win.
Al-Nassr’s Hard-Fought Victory
Even without Ronaldo, Al-Nassr managed to edge past Al-Hazem in a closely contested King’s Cup match. Sadio Mane opened the scoring just before half-time, but Al-Hazem equalized early in the second half. It wasn’t until the dying minutes that Nawaf Boushal’s late strike ensured Al-Nassr’s progression to the next round.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?
With Ronaldo rested, Al-Nassr will now shift their focus to their upcoming league fixture against Al-Wehda and the AFC Champions League battle with Al-Rayyan. Fans eagerly anticipate Ronaldo’s return to the lineup, where he will aim to continue his stellar form and help Al-Nassr compete on multiple fronts this season.
This decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo reflects the importance of squad management as Al-Nassr navigates a packed schedule with both domestic and international competitions in sight.