Ronaldo Benched, Al Nassr Chases Group Lead in a High-Stakes AFC Clash
21 October 2025
Ronaldo Benched as Al Nassr Aims to Seal Top Spot
The Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who leads Al Nassr, explained why Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the AFC Champions League 2 match against Goa FC, scheduled for Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, as part of the 2025-2026 group stage.
Al Nassr compete in Group D alongside Iraqi side Al Zawraa, Istiklol Dushanbe from Tajikistan, and FC Goa of India.
In a pre-match press conference, Jesus said, “We know Ronaldo has immense global appeal, but we chose to rest him for away games to protect his fitness throughout the long season.”
He added that the team came to India to win and collect the three points to stay atop the group, noting they have the experience to manage big matches and close them out when it matters most.
Al Nassr currently sit at the head of Group D with six points from two wins, after a 5-0 victory over Istiklol Dushanbe and a 2-0 win against Al Zawraa, while Goa sit at the bottom with zero points.
Goa reportedly requested that Ronaldo accompany the squad to Margao, but the request was declined by the Al Nassr hierarchy.
Ravi Bosekor, Goa’s chief executive, revealed that the travel party comprises 85 people and that while Ronaldo has a visa, there is no certainty he will travel with the team for the match.
Bosekor said Ronaldo’s potential presence would have made the tie “the biggest match in Indian football history,” with sponsorships and deals ready to sign if his visit were confirmed.
As for Ronaldo’s absence, Jesus reiterated that the step was taken to preserve the star forward’s workload, especially given the crowded schedule across competitions.
Brozovic’s injury adds another layer of challenge for Al Nassr. The Croatian midfielder will miss the Goa clash and is expected to return for the King’s Cup Round of 16 on October 28, with a plan for a week-long rehabilitation program ahead of team training.
Brozovic has been a core pillar since arriving from Inter Milan, anchoring the midfield with his experience and tactical discipline, helping balance defense and attack and instilling a professional rhythm across the squad.
Behind the scenes, Al Nassr’s form has been outstanding. They swept Fateh in domestic competition and then prepared for Asia’s group stage on a high note, winning convincingly and building confidence in Jesus’s system.
In Asia, Al Nassr opened with two decisive wins in Group D—5-0 over Istiklol and 2-0 over Al Zawraa—highlighting their intent to dominate their section and push for a deep run in the tournament.
Domestically, Jesus has steered the team to the top of the Saudi league, where they have accumulated 15 points from five games, scoring 30 goals and conceding only two, underscoring another season-defining start for the Portuguese coach in the Kingdom.
Al Nassr progressed to the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals by beating Al Ittihad, only to fall in the final on penalties, but their overall trajectory remains strong as they balance league and cup commitments with Asia’s elite competition.
With the AFC Champions League 2 campaign underway, Al Nassr’s start has been about consistency and control, as Jesus’s squad continues to build a foundation capable of sustaining pressure across multiple fronts.
Overall, the combination of strategic rest for Ronaldo, Brozovic’s injury management, and the team’s current league form positions Al Nassr as a formidable presence in both their domestic league and Asia’s premier club competition. The next steps will test whether the depth of the squad can sustain their trophy ambitions across all fronts.
Punchline 1: If Ronaldo were a playlist, this would be the track where the DJ says, “Skip to the beat, we’ll rest the star and still win the vibe.” Punchline 2: Watching Al Nassr without Ronaldo might feel like ordering a pizza and getting a salad—still tasty, but you’re waiting for the main cheese to melt.
