Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from Al-Nassr’s matchday squad as they faced Al-Hazem in the King’s Cup round of 32. The match saw the Saudi Pro League giants secure a last-minute 2-1 victory against the second-tier team. Ronaldo’s exclusion raised eyebrows, especially as Al-Nassr had to rely on a late winner to advance.
Here’s an in-depth look at why Ronaldo missed the match and how Al-Nassr managed without their star player.
Table of Contents
Key Reasons Behind Ronaldo’s Exclusion
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Need for Rest | Head coach Stefano Pioli opted to give Ronaldo a break after a busy schedule. |
| Upcoming Matches | Al-Nassr has crucial upcoming fixtures in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League, prompting the decision to rest key players. |
| Previous Match Involvement | Ronaldo had featured and scored in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq just days before. |
| Squad Rotation | Other top players like Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Lajami were also absent due to rehabilitation. |
Match Summary: Al-Nassr vs Al-Hazem
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 24th September 2024 |
| Competition | King’s Cup Round of 32 |
| Teams | Al-Hazem (2nd-tier) vs Al-Nassr |
| Result | Al-Nassr 2-1 Al-Hazem |
| Al-Nassr Goal Scorers | Sadio Mane (45’), Nawaf Boushal (89’) |
| Al-Hazem Goal Scorer | Mohammed Fahad (68’) |
Despite the absence of Ronaldo and other key players, Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Al-Nassr with a well-timed strike at the stroke of half-time. However, the second-tier team, Al-Hazem, showed resilience by equalizing through Mohammed Fahad in the second half. Al-Nassr needed a late winner from Nawaf Boushal to seal their spot in the next round.
Why Pioli Rested Ronaldo
According to Saudi news outlet Al-Jazirah, Pioli’s decision to rest Ronaldo came from the need to manage the 39-year-old’s workload carefully. Al-Nassr’s next fixtures include a key Saudi Pro League match against Al-Wehda on 27th September, followed by an important AFC Champions League clash against Qatari club Al-Rayyan.
| Upcoming Matches | Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Wehda | 27th September 2024 | Saudi Pro League |
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Rayyan | 3rd October 2024 | AFC Champions League |
Additionally, both Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Lajami missed the game due to ongoing rehabilitation, making squad rotation a necessary tactic for Pioli.
Ronaldo’s Recent Health & Performance
Ronaldo’s absence in the King’s Cup followed his recovery from a virus that kept him out of Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League opener against Al-Shorta, where the Saudi side drew 1-1. He returned to full fitness in time to score in the 3-0 win over Al-Ettifaq, which likely influenced Pioli’s decision to rest him for the less demanding cup tie against lower-tier opposition.
| Recent Matches | Result | Ronaldo’s Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Shorta (AFC) | 1-1 Draw | Missed due to illness |
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Ettifaq (SPL) | 3-0 Win | Scored one goal |
What’s Next for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo?
With Al-Nassr advancing in the King’s Cup and crucial fixtures on the horizon, Pioli’s squad rotation strategy seems justified. Resting Ronaldo now ensures that he is fit and ready for more demanding clashes in both domestic and international competitions.
| Match | Date | Ronaldo’s Expected Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Wehda (SPL) | 27th September 2024 | Expected to start |
| Al-Nassr vs Al-Rayyan (AFC) | 3rd October 2024 | Likely to lead the attack |
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s exclusion from the King’s Cup clash against Al-Hazem was a calculated move by coach Stefano Pioli, designed to ensure the star forward is in peak condition for more challenging matches. Al-Nassr managed to secure a late win without their talisman, showing the depth of their squad and their determination to succeed in multiple competitions.
By focusing on player rest, upcoming fixture congestion, and squad rotation, Pioli’s decision demonstrates strategic foresight. Ronaldo is expected to return to action for Al-Nassr’s key matches, where his influence will be crucial.