Pioli Doesn’t Play Ronaldo, Al-Nassr Struggles to Defeat Al-Hazem in Saudi King’s Cup

Jeddah, Todaysgist.com – Playing without their mainstay striker and captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr had to struggle to secure a 2-1 victory in the final minutes against Al-Hazem in the last 16 of the Saudi King’s Cup, Tuesday (24/9/2024) early morning WIB.

According to the Saudi Arabian newspaper Al JazeeraAl-Nassr’s new coach Stefano Pioli did not include Ronaldo to play against Al-Hazem so that the 39-year-old striker could rest. He is targeted to appear in top condition in two important matches against Al-Wehda in the fifth week of the Saudi Pro League on September 27.

The next match is against Qatari Club, Al-Rayyan in the second round of the Asian Champions League, on September 30, 2024.

Ronaldo also missed Al-Nassr’s opening Asian Champions League match, a 1-1 draw with Al Shorta on September 16, after reportedly contracting the virus.

Four days later, the Portuguese striker scored again from the penalty spot, helping Al-Nassr to a 3-0 win over hosts Al-Ettifaq in the fourth round of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo has scored five goals in his six appearances since the start of the season, taking his tally to 902 goals in 1,163 career games. In his last eight games, the 39-year-old forward has seven goals and two assists.

Appearing at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium without Ronaldo, Al-Nassr still dominated with 65% possession.

In the first half, Al-Nassr created many chances. Sadio Mane even had a goal disallowed for offside. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Mane received a cross from the right wing and headed it diagonally, leaving goalkeeper Al-Hazem helpless.

In the second half, the home team suddenly equalized through Basil Yousef Alsayyali’s close-range shot. Al-Hazem had the ball in Al-Nassr’s goal in the 76th minute, but it was ruled out for offside.

Not only did they escape defeat, Al-Nassr were also fortunate to score the winning goal. In the second minute of added time in the second half, midfielder Jurien Gaari headed the ball which made goalkeeper Ibrahim Zaid move out of goal. The situation created conditions for Nawaf Boushal to score into an empty net.