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Cristiano Ronaldo Left Out of Al-Nassr's Squad for Damac Clash, Focus on Asian Champions League
In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has been excluded from Al-Nassr's matchday squad for their upcoming Saudi Pro League clash against Damac. The decision comes as Al-Nassr's head coach, Stefano Pioli, prioritizes keeping the Portuguese forward fresh for the crucial Asian Champions League quarter-finals. The move has raised eyebrows, especially considering Ronaldo's instrumental role in Al-Nassr’s success this season.
This will be the first time in recent memory that Al-Nassr will be without their star player in such an important fixture. Ronaldo, who has been in sensational form throughout the season, scoring an impressive 23 goals in the league, has been a key figure for the Riyadh-based club. However, it appears that Pioli is making a calculated decision to rest Ronaldo, knowing that the upcoming Champions League games hold far more significance for the club’s aspirations this season.
Ronaldo's exclusion comes at a time when Al-Nassr is in desperate need of points to stay in contention for a top spot in the Saudi Pro League. The team recently suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Al Quadisiya, a result that severely hampered their title hopes and left them struggling to maintain pace with leaders Al Ittihad. With only a handful of games remaining in the league, Pioli cannot afford to risk overworking his star player, especially with the Asian Champions League looming on the horizon.
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Despite this setback, Al-Nassr remains one of the strongest teams in the league. They have enjoyed a dominant record over Damac in recent encounters, winning their last seven meetings. However, the absence of Ronaldo creates a significant gap in the squad, and the team will have to dig deep to continue their momentum. The squad’s resilience will be tested, especially after their recent loss, which ended a six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Pioli's decision highlights a shift in focus towards the continental competition, where Al-Nassr's aspirations remain high. The Asian Champions League represents the best chance for the club to claim silverware this season. Although Damac, currently struggling near the lower half of the table, may seem like an easier opponent, the match will still be challenging without Ronaldo's influence on the field.
While the absence of their talisman may raise concerns among Al-Nassr fans, the team’s strength in depth could still see them through. Players like Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic, who have been pivotal in the team's attacking and midfield play, will need to step up and carry the team forward.
This decision to rest Ronaldo is a clear indication that Al-Nassr is looking at the bigger picture. They are focused on ensuring they are at their peak for the upcoming Asian Champions League clash, where they will face much tougher competition. With the league title slipping further out of reach, the Champions League is now their most realistic route to glory this season.
Fans and football pundits alike will be keen to see how Al-Nassr performs without their superstar. It’s a bold move by Pioli, but one that could pay off if it allows Ronaldo to lead his team to glory in Asia.
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