Cristiano Ronaldo was not concerned in Al-Nassr’s 0-0 with Persepolis at Iran’s nationwide stadium within the end result of the league part of their AFC Champions League marketing campaign.
The Saudi Professional League membership shared a stalemate with the Persian Gulf Professional League aspect on the Azadi Sport Complicated in Tehran, which has a capability of greater than 78,000.
Croatia worldwide and former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic was among the many high-profile gamers to start out in an Al-Nassr aspect additionally missing star names akin to new ahead Jhon Duran.
Two-time African Footballer of the 12 months Sadio Mane remained an unused substitute and Spain defender Aymeric Laporte got here off the bench as a part of a spherical journey of round 2,000 miles for the guests.
🗒 || Beginning lineup,@AlNassrFC vs #Persepolis pic.twitter.com/xGgmjI5J1v
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 17, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo: Why didn’t he play vs Persepolis?
Al-Nassr rested gamers as a result of that they had already qualified for the spherical of 16, giving their captain a break after he performed for 76 minutes of their 3-2 Saudi Professional League win at Al-Ahli on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s official YouTube channel, which has virtually 74 million subscribers, streamed the Riyadh Premier Padel Finals as Al-Nassr performed.
“Be a part of Cristiano Ronaldo on this wonderful occasion, following his new ardour,” the outline of the stream mentioned, promising commentary from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner of the more and more widespread racket sport that’s performed on a smaller courtroom than tennis.
Organisers known as the stream a “historic world-first second” and a “distinctive collaboration to raise and promote padel gamers globally”.
Ronaldo Champions League stats
Ronaldo has six targets on this season’s AFC Champions League because the 40-year-old seems so as to add to his solitary trophy since becoming a member of Al-Nassr initially of 2023, successful the Arab Membership Champions Cup that 12 months.
4 of these targets have are available his final three appearances within the competitors, scoring twice every away to Qatari opponents Al-Gharafa on November 25 and at dwelling to Emirati crew Al-Wasl on February 3.
Al-Nassr will end third and play the crew who come sixth of their West Area desk within the spherical of 16, with the primary legs scheduled between March 3-5 and the return video games the next week.
They have been knocked out on penalties by Emirati crew Al Ain within the quarter-finals final season in Ronaldo’s first expertise of the competitors.
He gained the 2007/08 Champions League in Europe with Manchester United and repeated the feat 4 instances between 2014 and 2018 with Actual Madrid.
Al-Ahli and reigning Saudi champions Al-Hilal are competing for prime spot in Al-Nassr’s group and have one sport every left to play.
Al-Nassr host Al-Ettifaq on Friday (5pm GMT) of their home prime flight. They’re third, eight factors behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
