Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr host Al Taawoun on Matchday 32 of the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League in a pivotal clash that could shape their final position in the standings. While the club is no longer in contention for the league title, they remain focused on finishing the season as strongly as possible.
Although the title is already out of reach, Al Nassr still has the chance to improve its position in the standings. The team currently sits in fourth place with 63 points, just five points behind second place
Stefano Pioli’s squad has experienced an uneven run of form in the closing stretch of the campaign, and this fixture presents a valuable opportunity to secure critical points. One of the main storylines ahead of the match is the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been a central figure for Al Nassr throughout the season.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play today for Al Nassr?
Despite the importance of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t appear in the list to face Al Taawoun. According to reports, head coach Stefano Pioli has decided to exclude both Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohammed Simakan from the squad due to fitness concerns and their absence from recent training sessions. The move is intended to minimize injury risk and ensure both players can recover fully ahead of the final fixtures of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr lost the AFC Champions League semifinals. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The impact of Ronaldo’s absence
Without Ronaldo leading the line, Al Nassr will turn to key figures such as Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca to provide attacking firepower. Mane has stepped up in recent weeks, most notably in the 9–0 demolition of Al Okhdood, where he netted four goals. While Ronaldo’s absence may disrupt the team’s usual attacking rhythm, it also opens the door for others to take on more responsibility.
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Al Nassr confirmed lineup
Al Nassr started with Bento as the goalkeeper; Boushal, Al-Ghannam, Alawjami, and Al-Fatil in defense; Al-Sulaihem, Otavio, Ahmed, and Brozovic in midfield; and Mane and Duran as the attacking duo. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, the team will rely on Sadio Mane and Duran as their main offensive threat.
Al Nassr aiming for a strong finish
The match against Al Taawoun promises to be intense, with the visitors eager to capitalize on Ronaldo’s absence. The question remains: can Pioli’s men deliver without their talisman, or will Al Taawoun pull off a late-season upset?
