All eyes were on Al Nassr's team sheet ahead of their AFC Champions League Two clash against FC Goa, as fans eagerly awaited confirmation of whether Cristiano Ronaldo would feature in the lineup.
The anticipation was especially high among Indian supporters, who had hoped to finally see the Portuguese icon in action after Al Nassr and FC Goa were drawn in the same group earlier this season.
However, to the disappointment of many, Ronaldo was not included in the matchday squad for the fixture at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. Although the 40-year-old superstar was present at the stadium, manager Jorge Jesus opted to rest him, citing the need to manage his workload ahead of more crucial upcoming matches in both the AFC Champions League Two and the Saudi
Pro League.
Jesus explained that at this stage of Ronaldo's career, maintaining his physical condition is of utmost importance. The veteran forward recently demonstrated his enduring quality with a brace against Al-Feiha, but the coaching staff is taking no chances with fatigue or injury, especially with knockout-stage qualification within reach.
The decision not to include Ronaldo was met with mixed reactions. Many Indian fans who had travelled to Riyadh were visibly disappointed after missing the chance to see one of football's greatest-ever players in action. Nevertheless, Jesus's decision underscores a long-term strategy to keep his star man fit and fresh for decisive fixtures later in the campaign.
Ronaldo's absence, however, hasn't dulled Al Nassr's confidence. The Saudi club currently sit comfortably at the top of Group D, having won all three of their previous group-stage matches. A draw or a win against FC Goa would confirm their place in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, FC Goa, still searching for their first victory of the tournament, face a daunting task against one of Asia's most formidable sides - even without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.
