TEHRAN — Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s squad for their AFC Champions League last-16 tie against Esteghlal has sparked widespread speculation and disappointment among fans.

The Portuguese star did not travel to the Iranian capital for the first leg of the fixture, prompting explanations from both club officials and head coach Stefano Pioli.

Ronaldo’s exclusion was officially attributed to a “physical problem,” as confirmed by Pioli during a pre-match press conference.

“He had a physical problem, but I wouldn’t say it was 100% a big problem, but we preferred him not to be in the game,” Pioli stated, downplaying the severity of the issue. However, sources suggest that the decision was influenced by a combination of fitness concerns and off-field factors.

While Ronaldo was sidelined, key players like Sadio Mane, Jhon Duran, and Marcelo Brozovic were part of the squad that arrived in Tehran. Al-Nassr will rely heavily on these stars to navigate the challenging away fixture without their captain’s influence.

Off-Field Controversy Over Venue
Beyond Ronaldo’s fitness, a behind-the-scenes controversy involving the match venue has emerged. According to DPA news agency, Al-Nassr had submitted a formal request to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to relocate the match to a neutral ground, citing Ronaldo’s previous negative experiences in Tehran as the primary reason.

The club’s official letter reportedly stated: “Given Ronaldo’s bad experience in Tehran last year, the match should be played on neutral ground.”

The AFC, however, dismissed the request, maintaining that the match would proceed as scheduled in Iran’s Azadi Stadium.

The nature of Ronaldo’s past difficulties in Tehran has not been explicitly detailed, but the club’s insistence on a neutral venue suggests significant concerns.

The decision to exclude Ronaldo has not only disappointed fans in Iran, who were eager to see the football icon in action, but also raised questions about Al-Nassr’s strategy and preparedness for the high-stakes knockout tie.

Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions from fans, many of whom expressed frustration and surprise at the timing and circumstances surrounding the star forward’s absence.

Al-Nassr’s Uphill Task
Without Ronaldo, Al-Nassr face a daunting challenge against Esteghlal, a club known for its formidable home support and tactical discipline. The Saudi side will look to capitalize on the experience of Mane and Brozovic to secure a favorable result before the return leg.

Ronaldo’s absence also has implications for Al-Nassr’s broader ambitions in the AFC Champions League, a tournament the club is keen to win to cement its status among Asia’s elite.

With the Portuguese star expected to be available for the second leg, the focus will now shift to how Al-Nassr manage without their captain in Tehran.

As fans await further updates on Ronaldo’s condition, the pressure mounts on Al-Nassr to deliver a performance that keeps their Champions League hopes alive.