Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo? Al-Nassr soldier on without CR7 to secure last-minute win against Damac as Saudi Pro League fight for Champions League qualification hots up

Al-Nassr edged out Damac 3-2 in a five-goal thriller without Cristiano Ronaldo to remain alive in the Saudi Pro League title race.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

AFP
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo was omitted from the matchday squad as Al-Nassr took on Damac in a crucial Saudi Pro League clash. Stefano Pioli wanted to rest the 40-year-old ahead of the club's upcoming AFC Champions League quarter-final tie against Yokohama F Marinos.

AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo's absence, however, did not affect Al-Nassr's performance as the Saudi giants beat Damac 3-2. Ramzi Solan opened the scoring for Damac before Aymeric Laporte scored the equaliser for the visiting team. Ali Alhassan then put Al-Nassr in front in the 70th minute, but Nicolae Stanciu's strike brought Damac back into the game. Sultan Al-Ghannam then netted a last-gasp winner to seal crucial three points for Pioli's side.
DID YOU KNOW?
The three points helped Ronaldo's side reduce the gap with league leaders Al-Ittihad to eight points. They are now two points above fourth-placed Al-Ahli and remain in contention to secure an AFC Champions League slot for next season.