After a loss against Al Hilal and an underwhelming draw against Istiklol, Al Nassr registered a much-needed 4-1 win against Al Riyadh. Now, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s side is posed with an even greater challenge, as Al Shabab awaits them in the King Cup of Champions quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Al Shabab has been facing a fair share of uncertainties, with a key player on the verge of missing out due to a prior red card. Turns out, good news has come Al Shabab’s way, making things a bit more difficult for Al Nassr.

Two Al Shabab stars, including a $19 million worth midfielder, saw red cards on Thursday in the match against Al Ettifaq. Questions were raised regarding the stars’ potential ban in the Al Nassr match. Per recent updates, they have escaped the ban and will start against Ronaldo and Co.

Respite for Al Nassr’s rivals as key players escape ban

During Al Shabab’s Saudi League match against Al-Ettifaq, Ever Banega and teammate Gustavo Cuellar got expelled after seeing red cards. However, the match official did not record their behavior as disgraceful in his match report. Reportedly, Banega and Cuellar have now escaped a ban for the Al Nassr match. The duo is the pillar of Al Shabab in the midfield. Had they faced a ban in the King Cup of Champions quarterfinals, things would have been much easier for Al Nassr. Now, however, Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates will have a tough time penetrating the home side’s solid midfield.

There is no doubt the King Cup of Champions quarter finals are going to be challenging. However, the last time Al Nassr met Al Shabab was far from a challenging matchup. Rather, it was fully one-sided, as Al Shabab stumbled against Al Nassr’s might. Let us see how the two teams’ previous matchup has panned out.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.’s last meeting with Al Shabab

Al Nassr last played Al Shabab in August in a Saudi League matchup. Then, Al Nassr outclassed Al Shabab 4-0. Cristiano Ronaldo pioneered the plunder with two goals that day. Interestingly, during that match, Ever Banega saw a red card and exited the field. This is the same Ever Banega who risked a ban in the upcoming match due to a red card.

READ MORE: Al Nassr Boss Breaks Silence on Benching Sadio Mane Ahead of Al Hilal Clash – “Did Not Think About The Next Match”

Given the intensity of a knockout round, it is not unlikely that the Al Nassr-Al Shabab match will see cards being drawn out frequently. Anyhow, Ever Banega and Gustavo Cuellar might be a bit more cautious before letting their tempers loose on the field, as they barely escaped a ban. What’s your scoreline prediction? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Ronaldo and All About Their Pets