Why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't play for Al-Nassr vs Istiklol in AFC Champions League Two?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :November 26, 2025 at 6:25 PM

Modified at :November 27, 2025 at 12:58 PM

(Courtesy : Getty)

Al-Nassr have been in fine form in the competition.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr lead Group D with an unbeaten record and 12 points after four matches of the AFC Champions League second-tier group stage. Cristiano Ronaldo has not yet played for Al Nassr in the second-tier AFC Champions League this season.

Al Nassr are aiming to make a lasting mark in their inaugural AFC Champions League Two campaign, and they have completely justified their authority and ambition with an impeccable group stage so far.

The Riyadh giants are well in control of Group D with an undefeated record and an astounding 13-1 combined score. They just need one point to mathematically secure their spot in the next round, which they will be keen to finish before the last matchday ever arrives.

Cristiano Ronaldo and company have won 14 of their past 15 games in all competitions. They will rely on their merciless scoring ability to extend their winning streak to eight straight games.

Also Read: Istiklol vs Al Nassr Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Why Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t playing vs Istiklol?

Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the team that travelled to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for the AFC Champions League Group Stage encounter against Istiklol Dushanbe.

📋 Your AlNassr lineup for tonight’s mission. pic.twitter.com/t1RIalaTDz
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) November 26, 2025

Despite missing Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus still named a very strong starting lineup, with Joao Felix, Brozovic and Simakan starting.

Ronaldo has not played a single game in the competition so far this term as the striker continues to participate in the league matches. However, he will be featuring in the tournament once the knockout games are underway.

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo not play tonight?

He was rested for the match.

Has Ronaldo played any ACL Two games this term?

No, he hasn’t featured in any matches this term.

Where do Al-Nassr stand in the group?

They are first in the group.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.