AI Nassr to play the AFC Champions League 2 match.AI Nassr FC are preparing for their crucial AFC Champions League 2 match against Istiklol, and they will be without their biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo. The team has announced their match day squad for their trip to Tajikistan, and just like in previous matches, Ronaldo is not included in the squad
Why is Ronaldo rested?
Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has explained the reasoning behind this strategy. During a news conference last month, the coach said, “I felt it was best to rest Cristiano Ronaldo. He is now around 40 years old, and we were worried about his injury. That’s why I decided to leave him out of the squad for this trip.”
It looks like this decision is part of the long-term thinking of the team to keep Ronaldo fresh and continue performances at an impressively high standard in the league.
Al Nassr’s journey in the AFC Champions League Two
It is important to note that since Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, it could not directly qualify to the elite AFC Champions League, thus compelling them to play in its second-tier competition AFC Champions League Two. On the positive side, this has given the team a strategic opportunity to rest its star players in select matches.
Al Nassr have been phenomenal in the tournament despite Ronaldo’s absence, winning all four games so far. This asserts that the other players within the team are capable of taking on the responsibility.
What’s Next?
Al Nassr will take on Al Zawraa in the final group stage match on December 24th. The two best teams in the group advance to the round of 16 of the knockout rounds in February.
Ronaldo’s performance in the league.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is making waves in the Saudi Pro League, scoring consistently to inspire the team’s play. His tally of 10 goals in nine league matches so far is proof that he remains one of the best footballers in the world. His impressive performance has helped Al Nassr remain at the top of the league table, winning all nine matches played so far.
