Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al-Nassr’s King’s Cup match against Al-Hazem, as coach Pioli prioritizes his fitness for upcoming crucial games.
Content Highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo excluded from King’s Cup squad
- Coach Pioli chose to rest Ronaldo ahead of key matches
- Al-Nassr’s next opponents: Al-Wehda (Saudi Pro League) and Al-Rayyan (AFC Champions League)
- Ronaldo missed the AFC opener due to a virus
- Sadio Mane gave Al-Nassr a first-half lead in the King’s Cup match
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most recognized stars, was noticeably absent from Al-Nassr’s squad during their King’s Cup match against Al-Hazem.
The 39-year-old Portuguese icon, who had previously scored in the club’s recent 3-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq, did not appear in the lineup for this important fixture.
Why Ronaldo Didn’t Play
Al-Nassr’s coach, Stefano Pioli, decided to give Ronaldo a much-needed rest, opting to leave the veteran out of the squad.
According to Saudi news outlet Al-Jazirah, this decision was taken to ensure that Ronaldo is fully prepared for the upcoming, more challenging fixtures in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League, where Al-Nassr will face Al-Wehda and Qatari club Al-Rayyan.
Alongside Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Lajami were also absent, with both players undergoing rehabilitation.
Ronaldo’s Recent Challenges
This is not the first time Ronaldo has missed a significant game this season. Just last week, he was sidelined from Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League opener due to a virus, which contributed to the club’s 1-1 draw against Al-Shorta.
Despite recovering in time for their next match against Al-Ettifaq, his exclusion from the King’s Cup clash has sparked conversation among fans and pundits alike.
A Crucial Match Without Ronaldo
Al-Nassr took an early lead in the match, with Sadio Mane scoring a decisive goal just before half-time.
However, their opponents, the second-tier side Al-Hazem, mounted a comeback in the second half, leveling the score.
The absence of key players like Ronaldo certainly left a gap, but Pioli’s tactical decision to rest him highlights the importance of future matches over this cup fixture.