Al Nassr will aim to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Champions League Two without the presence of their star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, when they face Arkadag at Al-Awwal Park Stadium. The Portuguese captain has been rested for this crucial second leg encounter, a decision made by manager Jorge Jesus as part of a broader strategy focused on workload management and prioritizing the Saudi Pro League title race.
Al Nassr carries a narrow 1-0 advantage into the match, secured through Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s goal in Turkmenistan during the first leg. Despite a heavily rotated lineup in the initial fixture, the Saudi side demonstrated tactical flexibility and depth, reinforcing their status as a strong contender in the competition. They currently boast the best attacking record and the second-best defensive record in the AFC Champions League Two, having scored 23 goals and conceded only two in seven matches.
Arkadag, conversely, qualified for the knockout stage narrowly from their group and have struggled to find the back of the net in continental play, managing just five goals during the group stage. Their domestic season concluded months ago, potentially impacting their competitive sharpness as they face a team actively involved in both domestic and continental campaigns.
The decision to rest Ronaldo stems from a collaborative agreement between the player and Jesus, prioritizing the veteran forward’s fitness for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season and the later stages of the AFC Champions League Two. Ronaldo recently returned to action following a brief absence due to a suspension related to a gesture directed towards the Saudi Public Investment Fund, scoring in Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Fateh.
Currently sitting in second place in the Saudi Pro League with 52 points, just one point behind league leaders Al Hilal, Al Nassr’s primary focus remains on securing the domestic title. Jesus is carefully managing Ronaldo’s minutes to ensure he remains in peak condition for the demanding schedule ahead. This strategic approach acknowledges the importance of maintaining Ronaldo’s fitness, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon this summer.
Reports indicate that Ronaldo himself requested a reduced role in the AFC Champions League Two to safeguard his physical condition. He has featured sparingly in the competition thus far, playing only 45 minutes against Al Zawraa SC, as Al Nassr concentrates its resources on the league title pursuit.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr enters the match as favorites, holding the aggregate lead from the first leg. The team is expected to rely on the attacking prowess of Angelo and Abdullah Al-Hamdan to secure their progression to the quarterfinals. Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix are available as attacking options from the bench.
The club’s strong attacking and defensive statistics in the AFC Champions League Two underscore their overall strength, even without their talisman. Their ability to rotate the squad and still maintain a high level of performance demonstrates the depth and quality within the Al Nassr roster.
The decision to prioritize Ronaldo’s fitness reflects a long-term perspective, recognizing the importance of having him at his best for both the Saudi Pro League and the potential for a deep run in the AFC Champions League Two. Managing his workload is crucial, especially considering his age and the demands of playing at the highest level.
While the absence of a player of Ronaldo’s caliber is always felt, Al Nassr’s squad possesses the talent and tactical flexibility to overcome Arkadag and advance to the next round. The team’s focus will be on executing their game plan and capitalizing on their home advantage to secure a favorable result.
The upcoming match presents an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities in Ronaldo’s absence. This could provide valuable experience and contribute to the overall development of the team. The coaching staff will be looking for players to seize the moment and make a significant impact on the game.
Al Nassr’s success in the AFC Champions League Two will depend on their ability to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout the competition. Managing Ronaldo’s fitness is a key component of that strategy, ensuring he is available and in top form when it matters most.
