Ronaldo will not play in the AFC Champions League group stage

Al-Nassr coaching staff will not use Cristiano Ronaldo in the group stage matches of AFC Champions League Two 2025/26.

Ronaldo did not participate in the group stage of the Asian Cup 2nd Division at club level this season.

Coach Jorge Jesus is famous for his wise personnel management strategy, often rotating and retaining key players when needed. During his time leading Al-Hilal, he helped the club win the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi Arabian Super Cup with his ability to calculate the long-term force.

Therefore, it is understandable that the Portuguese coach continues to apply the rotation policy at Al-Nassr, especially with Ronaldo. This is a move to preserve the 40-year-old superstar's strength before more important matches.

Ronaldo's absence from the group stage shows that the coaching staff wants him to be fit for the fierce knockout stage. Al-Nassr also faces fierce competition in the Saudi Pro League, with rivals such as Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad both strengthening their squads.

Therefore, Coach Jesus' calculation of using Ronaldo appropriately is considered a strategic move, both preserving the Portuguese superstar's form and ensuring parallel ambitions in both domestic and continental arenas.

CR7 did not appear in the opening match, which was a 5-0 win over Tajikistan's Istiklol on September 18. Al-Nassr is currently at the top of Group D and will face Iraq's Al-Zawra'a in the second match taking place in the early morning of October 2.

Kante walked past, did not shake Ronaldo's hand On September 27, the moment N'Golo Kante calmly walked past Cristiano Ronaldo before the big match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr caused a storm on social networks.

Source: https://znews.vn/ronaldo-khong-da-vong-bang-afc-champions-league-post1589643.html