Ronaldo on the Bench Again! Tactical Move or Something Else?

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Al Nassr’s starting lineup for two straight matches, raising questions among fans. Is it a tactical decision by the coach or is there another reason behind this surprising move?

Ronaldo Misses Starting XI Again What’s Going On?

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the starting lineup for two matches in a row in the Saudi Pro League, creating a stir among fans and football experts. The Portuguese superstar, known for his winning attitude and goal-scoring power, did not feature in the starting eleven for Al Nassr’s most recent games — and the results have been mixed.

A Historic Win Without Ronaldo

In the first of the two matches, Al Nassr made headlines with a massive 9-0 win over Al Akhdoud, the biggest victory in the club’s history. This stunning result came even without Ronaldo on the field. It seemed like the team had found a way to dominate without their usual star, as goals came from multiple players and the squad looked sharp and aggressive throughout the game.

This impressive win raised eyebrows — was Ronaldo’s absence a smart tactical move? Or was it just a one-time rest for the 39-year-old striker?

A Costly Draw in the Next Game

The next match, however, told a different story. Al Nassr faced mid-table team Al Taawoun at home and could only manage a 1-1 draw. The team missed Ronaldo’s presence on the field, especially during key moments in the game.

Otavio scored in the 51st minute to give Al Nassr the lead, but Roger Martinez equalized for Al Taawoun in the 70th minute. The match ended in a disappointing draw, costing Al Nassr two crucial points.

With only two matches left in the season, this result hurt their chances of finishing in the top three, which is necessary to qualify for the AFC Champions League. Currently, they sit in fourth place with 64 points, just one point behind third-placed Al Qadsia.

Why Is Ronaldo Being Benched?

The big question everyone is asking: Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not starting?

It’s not because of poor performance. Ronaldo has had a brilliant season, scoring 33 goals and providing 4 assists in 39 matches across all competitions. His fitness and form are not in doubt.

According to reports from Saudi media, Ronaldo is being rested due to fatigue. He usually plays the full 90 minutes when on the pitch, and the coaching staff may be giving him a break to manage his energy levels. The last time he was substituted before the final whistle was during the AFC Champions League quarter-final win over Yokohama.

Testing New Players for the Future

Another reason for Ronaldo’s benching could be Al Nassr’s position in the league. With Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad already crowned champions, Al Nassr no longer has a shot at the title. This has allowed head coach Stefano Pioli to experiment with younger players and look ahead to the next season.

By leaving Cristiano out, the coach might be trying to develop depth in the squad and give younger players a chance to prove themselves. It’s a strategic move that may help the team in the long run — but it’s also a risky one, especially with a Champions League spot on the line.

What’s Next for Ronaldo and Al Nassr?

With only two matches remaining in the season, all eyes are on whether Cristiano will return to the starting lineup. Al Nassr needs wins to ensure a top-three finish and secure a spot in next year’s AFC Champions League.

Fans hope to see their star back in action, pushing the team forward like he has all season. Whether it’s fatigue management or a tactical trial, one thing is clear — Al Nassr looks stronger with Cristiano on the pitch.

Will he start in the next match? That remains to be seen. But Ronaldo’s hunger for goals and silverware hasn’t faded, and he’ll surely want to end the season on a high note.