In a notable tactical move, Al-Nassr's Portuguese coach, Luis Castro, decided to exclude global star Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting lineup against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Professional League. This decision has sparked widespread questions in sporting circles, especially since the club has not announced any injury to the player, confirming that his absence was based purely on the coach's tactical assessment.
Background and technical context of the decision
The decision to rest Ronaldo comes amidst Al-Nassr's busy schedule of matches both domestically and continentally. As Ronaldo ages, managing his physical exertion has become a top priority for the coaching staff to ensure he maintains his high level of performance in crucial matches, whether in the later stages of the league or in the AFC Champions League. This decision has given Abdulrahman Ghareeb the opportunity to start, a move aimed at rotating players and giving other members of the squad the chance to prove themselves and maintain the team's overall readiness.
Ronaldo's importance and the impact of his move to the Saudi League
Since joining Al-Nassr in late 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has revolutionized Saudi football. His impact extends far beyond being the team's top scorer and captain; he has become a global attraction for the Saudi league, drawing in a host of other top international football stars. His arrival has put the Saudi league on the world map, boosting viewership and viewership to unprecedented levels, and his absence from any match, even for tactical reasons, is now widely reported in international media.
The expected impact of the absence and the competition for the title
Domestically, Ronaldo's absence posed a real test of Al-Nassr's ability to secure a victory without him, especially given the fierce competition with their arch-rivals Al-Hilal for the top spot. Al-Nassr are aiming to collect every possible point to maintain pressure on the league leaders, as any slip-up could prove costly in the long title race. Despite the importance of the match, Castro believes victory is achievable by resting his star player, a gamble that reflects the coach's confidence in the rest of his squad and their ability to step up during crucial moments.
