Al-Nassr struggled to break down Esteghlal’s resilient defence.
Before kick-off, coach Stefano Pioli attributed Ronaldo’s omission to a muscular issue.
Al-Nassr managed a 0-0 draw against Esteghlal on 3 March in the AFC Champions League round of 16.
The game was played at Esteghlal’s home ground, and it marked a challenging night for the Saudi club without their star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Match Overview
Al-Nassr struggled to break down Esteghlal’s resilient defence.
The players worked hard but could not create a decisive goal-scoring chance.
They maintained possession and attempted to build play, yet the final outcome remained unchanged.
Consequently, the lack of Ronaldo’s attacking threat was clearly felt throughout the match.
Moreover, fans noted that the team appeared less dynamic and clinical without his influence.
Ronaldo’s Absence Explained
Before kick-off, coach Stefano Pioli attributed Ronaldo’s omission to a muscular issue.
This explanation has since been the official stance.
However, some media outlets speculated that an incident from September 2023 might have played a part.
They claimed that Ronaldo risked a punishment of 100 lashes after he embraced and kissed a female fan.
In contrast, the Iranian embassy in Saudi Arabia strongly denied these rumours.
They stated, “We firmly reject any judicial decision against an international sportsman.”
This clear refutation further underlined that his absence was due solely to fitness concerns.
Controversy and Reaction
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo’s exclusion quickly caught international attention.
Journalists from Talk Sport sought clarification from the Iranian embassy, and the response left no room for doubt regarding his safety.
In addition, Ronaldo himself acknowledged the situation via Instagram.
He posted an upbeat “Let’s go” on his InstaStory, indicating his support for his teammates despite not featuring on the pitch.
This reaction boosted morale among fans and highlighted his enduring influence on and off the field.
Future Prospects and Season Stats
Looking ahead, Al-Nassr will face Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on 7 March.
The upcoming match offers a chance for the team to regain momentum and prove their resilience.
Notably, Ronaldo’s current season statistics are impressive, with 30 appearances and 25 goals.
Although he missed the recent clash, his overall contributions remain a key asset for Al-Nassr.
In summary, while the draw against Esteghlal was a modest result, it underscored the challenges of competing without a superstar.
Nonetheless, with strategic adjustments and a focus on collective effort, Al-Nassr aims to bounce back in both domestic and continental competitions.
