When Al-Nassr faced Persepolis in Iran’s national stadium for the culmination of their AFC Champions League campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from the match. The Saudi Pro League club settled for a goalless draw against the Persian Gulf Pro League side at the Azadi Sport Complex in Tehran, a venue with a capacity of over 78,000.
Despite missing star players like Ronaldo and Jhon Duran, Al-Nassr fielded high-profile names such as Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic. Two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane remained on the bench, while Spain defender Aymeric Laporte made a cameo appearance after a grueling round trip of approximately 2,000 miles for the visitors.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Why didn’t he play vs Persepolis?
The decision to rest Ronaldo and other key players was due to Al-Nassr already securing a spot in the round of 16. Ronaldo had recently played 76 minutes in their Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Ahli, prompting the club to give him a break.
Ronaldo’s absence from the match was highlighted by the streaming of the Riyadh Premier Padel Finals on his official YouTube channel, where he showcased his passion for the sport. The unique collaboration aimed to promote padel globally and marked a historic moment for the sport.
Ronaldo Champions League stats
Despite missing the match against Persepolis, Ronaldo has been a standout performer in this season’s AFC Champions League, scoring six goals. The 40-year-old forward, who joined Al-Nassr in 2023, is determined to add to his trophy cabinet after winning the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Looking ahead, Al-Nassr will face the team finishing sixth in their West Region table in the round of 16. Ronaldo’s previous experience in the competition saw his team being eliminated in the quarter-finals last season.
While Al-Nassr focuses on their Champions League campaign, they also have domestic responsibilities, with a crucial match against Al-Ettifaq looming on Friday. Currently third in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr will be aiming to close the gap on leaders Al-Ittihad.