Al-Nassr head coach Ange Postecoglou has firmly rejected suggestions that his attacking line operates more effectively in the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Australian tactician defended his absent talisman after watching his side cruise to a comprehensive 6-2 AFC Champions League Elite victory away at Uzbek outfit Pakhtakor.
Former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has admitted that the high standard of competition in the Saudi Pro League caught him off guard following his move to Al-Hilal. Despite spending years testing himself in England's top flight, the 30-year-old forward has been impressed by the technical and physical demands of Middle Eastern football.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the Al Nassr squad for their AFC Champions League trip to Uzbekistan as head coach Ange Postecoglou opts to rotate his side. The decision comes amid wider security concerns in the region that continue to disrupt the continental tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirmed his deep bond with Saudi Arabia by draping himself in the national scarf following Al-Nassr's 3-1 AFC Champions League Elite triumph over Neftchi Fergana. The 41-year-old struck his 981st career goal in Riyadh on Monday night, with his emotional tributes taking centre stage after security concerns delayed kick-off by an hour.
Cristiano Ronaldo moved closer to 1,000 career goals by scoring for Al Nassr in their 3-1 AFC Champions League Elite victory against FK Neftchi. The forward put his recent suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation behind him to net the second goal, in a match that was delayed by a tense one-hour security alert in Riyadh following a ballistic missile interception.
Former Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has offered a remarkably candid explanation for his summer move to Saudi Arabia, admitting that the lure of life-changing money was the primary factor. The Netherlands international swapped the Etihad Stadium for Al-Qadsiah in a £52 million deal just one season after arriving in the Premier League from AC Milan.
Ange Postecoglou launched a fierce defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after Al-Nassr suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite. The manager clashed with a reporter during his post-match press conference, taking full responsibility for the result while demanding respect for his captain.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a night to forget in the United Arab Emirates as Al-Nassr were dismantled 4-0 by Al-Ain in a shocking AFC Champions League Elite display. The Portuguese forward, who is chasing his 980th career goal, could only watch as his side were systematically picked apart by the two-times Asian champions.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his final shot at Asian glory in the AFC Champions League Elite with Al-Nassr. Manager Ange Postecoglou is set to manage the Portuguese superstar's workload, while winger Kingsley Coman could make a timely injury return.
The stage is set for what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final opportunity to conquer Asia as the Asian Champions League prepares to kick off next week. With the Saudi Pro League having invested billions to transform the regional landscape, Al-Nassr and their domestic rivals are determined to keep the continent's most prestigious trophy in Riyadh or Jeddah.
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