Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight for Al Nassr vs Al Khaleej in King Cup of Champions?

Al Nassr just about scrapped a win against Al Khaleej. The Knights of Najd missed some easy chances, none more so than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese attacker missed 3 big chances on the night and didn’t look his usual self. There were also reports of an injury scare for the 39-year-old and it didn’t look surprising considering his performance on the night. Well CR7 and co have not seen the last of Al Khaleej as the two are set to battle it out for King Cup. Supporters are concerned about Ronaldo’s availability as he could single-handedly alter the match. Will the 5 time Ballon d’Or winner be available for the clash? Let’s find out.

Cristiano Ronaldo is fit and ready to take on Al Khaleej in the anticipated encounter. The Portuguese attacker is coming off a one-match ban and that could explain his rustiness in goal. In the recent Saudi Super Cup, CR7 was suspended after elbowing an opposition defender. Although Al Nassr appealed against the ban, nothing happened and Ronaldo missed the match against Al Feiha.

He made his return against Al Khaleej but the performance wasn’t ideal. Cristiano Ronaldo missed chances galore and it was defender Aymeric Laporte who scored the goal that won his side 3 points. Ronaldo’s performance was criticized by many but he received backing from Vitor Severino. The assistant coach said, “The opportunities that Cristiano missed are normal in football & these things happen.” While missing chances are part and parcel for any attacker, such a display tomorrow could have serious ramifications for Al Nassr’s season.

Last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo & Co to secure silverware this season

Ronaldo has been in red-hot form this season and is the league’s top scorer with 29 goals. Yet, for all his efforts, CR7 hasn’t got much to show for in the trophies department. His only trophy as an Al Nassr player was the Arab Champions Cup, which is still disputed as being a friendly or official tournament.

Even this season, Al Nassr is pretty much out of the running for the league and knocked out in the Super Cup and Champions League. Hence, the King Cup is of paramount importance for them.

A win against Al Khaleej means Al Nassr will face off against either Al Hilal or Al Ittihad in the final. With Al Hilal defeating his side previously, it will be interesting to see if Castro opts for tactical changes. Regardless, a defeat could be a bitter blow for the Knights of Najd as Ronaldo might reevaluate his future. After all, the Portuguese star is not used to such a barren spell without trophies.