Istiklol Vs Al-nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo Left Out as João Félix Steps Up for Al-Nassr Against Istiklol
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Al-Nassr traveled to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to face FC Istiklol in the AFC Champions League 2nd stage. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in the squad for this match.
Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus explained that the decision was made to preserve Ronaldo’s fitness. At 40 years old, managing his workload is crucial to avoid potential injuries, especially during long-distance travel and congested fixtures.
Jesus said: “We decided this was the best moment to give Ronaldo a rest. We want to ensure he is fully prepared for the major matches ahead.”
Additionally, the AFC Champions League 2nd stage is not as critical as other competitions. Al-Nassr sees no necessity in risking their star player in these matches while maintaining focus on the Saudi Pro League and other major tournaments.
João Félix Seizes the Opportunity
With Ronaldo absent, João Félix took center stage, scoring an early penalty in the 12th minute and leading Al-Nassr’s attack. The team eventually secured a commanding 4–0 victory over Istiklol, proving they can perform at a high level even without their superstar.
This win highlighted Al-Nassr’s depth and flexibility, showing that the team can rely on multiple players to make an impact.
Implications for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr
- The rest allows Ronaldo to recover and prolong his career at peak performance.
- Al-Nassr demonstrates they are not dependent on one player, with talented squad members ready to step up.
- João Félix’s performance underscores his potential to become a key figure in the team.
- This strategic approach helps the club manage player fitness while maintaining competitiveness across all tournaments.
Conclusion
Al-Nassr’s decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo was a strategic move rather than a snub. It allowed João Félix and other players to shine, reinforcing the team’s depth and readiness. This approach ensures the club can compete at the highest level while safeguarding their star player for bigger challenges ahead.
Source: Goal.com
