Al-Nassr demonstrated their depth with a commanding 4-0 victory against Istiklol in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday, despite the absence of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad.
Rotated Squad Delivers Without Ronaldo
Head coach Jorge Jesus opted to rest several key players for the match in Tajikistan, including Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Kingsley Coman. The tactical rotation didn't hinder Al-Nassr's performance, as João Félix stepped up with a penalty in the 12th minute to set the tone. Defender Mohamed Simakan added a second goal before halftime, while late strikes from Mané and Ayman Yahya sealed the comprehensive win.
Why Ronaldo Misses Continental Matches
Despite Al-Nassr's perfect record in the competition, the 40-year-old Ronaldo has yet to feature in their AFC Champions League Two campaign. Jesus explained the decision, stating, "We need to preserve his fitness for crucial matches. At his age, avoiding injuries is paramount." The Saudi Pro League side has already secured advancement from the group stage with five straight wins.
Felix Emerges as New Saudi Star
Former Benfica prodigy João Félix has reignited his career at Al-Nassr, netting 14 goals in 15 appearances across competitions. His resurgence has even overshadowed Ronaldo's contributions this season, marking a dramatic turnaround after struggling at clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea.
Ronaldo's World Cup Ambitions
While Ronaldo focuses on domestic and international duties, the Portuguese legend remains driven by the elusive FIFA World Cup trophy. With Portugal set to compete in next year's tournament, the veteran aims to add football's ultimate prize to his legendary career achievements.
"Felix's form is exceptional, but Ronaldo's leadership and experience remain vital for our long-term goals," Jesus remarked post-match.
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