While the Portuguese icon returned to the fold last Saturday, local reports suggest his current exclusion is a calculated move by the coaching staff. According to club sources, the veteran striker is being "rested" to preserve his fitness for the high-pressure demands of the Saudi Pro League and the deep knockout rounds of continental competition. This strategic rotation highlights the club's cautious approach to managing their most expensive asset, who, despite his individual scoring records, has yet to secure a major trophy since arriving in the Kingdom in late 2022
The victory sets the stage for a compelling quarterfinal matchup against the United Arab Emirates' Al Wasl, with the first leg scheduled for March 3. As Al Nassr navigates the second-tier competition, the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite is also taking shape. Powerhouses from Japan and South Korea have dominated the Eastern zone, successfully sending three and two teams respectively into the Round of 16. Notably, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Tazim and Thailand’s Buriram United have also punched their tickets, while Melbourne City achieved a rare milestone for Australian football by becoming only the second team from the A-League to reach this stage since 2016
In the Western zone of the Elite competition, the sheer financial and tactical might of Saudi Arabia was on full display. Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad all secured top-four finishes in their groups, signaling a potential Saudi stranglehold on the latter stages. They are joined in the next round by Iran’s Tractor, Qatar’s Al Duhail and Al Sadd, and the UAE’s Al Wahda. As the continent prepares for the Round of 16 fixtures on March 2 and 3, the focus remains firmly on Riyadh. Whether Ronaldo’s "rest" is a genuine fitness strategy or a symptom of internal friction remains to be seen, but Al Nassr’s ability to win in his absence provides a much-needed boost as they hunt for their first major piece of silverware in the Ronaldo era.
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