Ronaldo Absent, Al-Nassr Triumphs in Asian League; Return Imminent
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed his third consecutive match for Al-Nassr, as the club secured a 1-0 victory against Arkadag FC from Turkmenistan. This triumph took place in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two round of 16 on Wednesday. Abdullah Al-Hamdan netted the sole goal of the match, placing Al-Nassr in a strong position ahead of the return fixture in Riyadh next week.
Ronaldo’s Return Imminent
Reports suggest that legends Cristiano Ronaldo will soon return to the field. He is expected to play against Al-Fateh this Saturday. The Portuguese forward has not competed since December 2022 and is yet to earn a major trophy with Al-Nassr.
Reasons for Absence
- Ronaldo has expressed dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr’s operations.
- Frustrations stem from the management by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- This fund also oversees rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.
Despite these challenges, an ESPN report indicated that Ronaldo has opted to end his boycott of Al-Nassr. He was spotted training alongside teammates in Riyadh, affirming his commitment to the club.
Other AFC Champions League Highlights
In a noteworthy match in the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ittihad showcased an impressive performance. The team, featuring Algeria international Houssem Aouar, triumphed over Al-Gharafa of Qatar with a staggering 7-0 win. This match took place during the penultimate round of the group stage.
As the Asian competitions progress, fans eagerly anticipate Ronaldo’s return and look forward to further exciting matchups in the league.
