Four wins in their last five games. An 0-8 victory in their most recent fixture, recording their biggest win in Roshn Saudi League history. Al Nassr has been on fire, and at their epicenter has been Cristiano Ronaldo. As the architect of the Knights of Najd’s lethal attacks, he’s scored consecutive hat-tricks in the last two games. However, it looks like manager Luis Castro will be benching the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for tonight’s clash with Damac FC.

Recent developments in the Al Nassr camp indicate that we won’t see much on-field action from the 39-year-old. After scoring 2 hat-tricks in just 72 hours and extending his season-scoring record to 29 goals, there’s no question that performing at such a high level takes a toll on Ronaldo. Notably, Castro subbed off Ronaldo prematurely in the game against Abha, despite his heroics. So, a similar move from Castro won’t be a surprise tonight.

Besides, Al Nassr plays Al Hilal next on April 9. If CR7 starts today against Damac – given he’s likely to start in the crucial Al Hilal fixture – he will be playing three matches in six days! So, resting him for a relatively easier match would be what Luis Castro would do. Apart from Ronaldo, there are reports that the manager has decided to rest more key players as well. He’s reported to have summoned around 30 players from Al Nassr’s youth academy and reserve team for games against Damac and Al Hilal.

The club’s entourage is expected to bring 19 players to Damac’s home. Given that Al Nassr’s chances to win the Saudi Pro League title are rather bleak – considering Al Hilal’s 12-point lead – it is no surprise that Castro is reportedly betting on youngsters in the Damac game. But coming back to Al Nassr’s match against Al Hilal, this will be the most significant Riyadh derby of this season.

The two teams are competing in a winner-takes-all Saudi Super Cup semi-final. Hence, Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence is paramount for the Knights of Najd. Besides, if they win against Al Hilal, Al Nassr has a clear shot at the Super Cup silverware. That, however, is not the case in the Saudi Pro League. Therefore, Castro would want to preserve Ronaldo and other veterans’ energy on more critical Saudi League matches. So it’s likely Ronaldo will rest and recuperate tonight to fully commit to the Al Hilal game.

Update: At the time of updating this article, the starting lineups have been announced. Cristiano Ronaldo will not be starting the match against Damac FC.

Al Nassr fans are “not satisfied at all” with the decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo

As mentioned earlier, Al Nassr has been on a rampage lately. But one of the most crucial aspects of that rampage has been Cristiano Ronaldo. Considering this, most fans expected him to be playing against Damac, especially after two consecutive hat-tricks. However, that’s not the case. At least as the first half begins. Highlighting just this, one fan wrote, “Hat trick of hat tricks, but today he’s on [the] bench.”

Seeing as many fans tune in to watch the Portuguese international play (sometimes that’s the only reason), many weren’t happy to see that the Riyadh club’s main player would likely sit out the game. Referring to his iconic “siu” celebration, a disheartened fan expressed, “Where Cristianoooo. Won’t be able to see SIUUUUUUUUUU today?” CR7 can always make an appearance later in the game, and that’s what others are holding on to.

One wrote, “See ya when Ronaldo comes in.” And another, echoing the sentiment, penned, “I’m not watching till CR7 comes on.” The bottom line, though, was that of disappointment. “What the hell is CR7 doing on the bench, uh!? Not satisfied at all.” Considering Luis Castro is benching quite a few players, a fan brought up a concern.

“Resting both Ronaldo and [Sadio] Mane, while [Anderson] Talisca is not available it’s a gamble.” All three of them have been crucial to Al Nassr this season. However, at the beginning of March, the club confirmed that Talisca would miss the rest of the season due to a thigh injury. Given this and the fact that the Knights of Najd aren’t starting Mane and Ronaldo, the match against Damac could prove tougher than anticipated. 

Another fan mocked the decision to rest key players, predicting the outcome of Al Nassr’s upcoming match against Al Hilal. They wrote, “All these resting of key players. FT: Al Hilal 3:1 Al Nassr.” Do you think Luis Castro has made the right decision by benching Cristiano Ronaldo tonight?

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