Cristiano Ronaldo subbed off in Saudi Professional League 10-man draw: Was it due to an harm? Al-Nassr boss supplies solutions

Al-Nassr discovered itself pissed off as soon as once more because it was held to a 2-2 draw towards Al-Shabab in a hard-fought contest at residence. Cristiano Ronaldo was as soon as once more on the scoresheet, delivering a second of brilliance, however his contribution was not sufficient to safe all three factors. The match took a shocking flip when the Portuguese was substituted within the second half, elevating issues amongst followers a couple of doable harm. Now, head coach Stefano Pioli has revealed the explanation behind the choice.

Coming into this fixture, Pioli was anticipating a robust response from his workforce after two disappointing outcomes. The house facet began brightly, with Ronaldo and Sadio Mane forming a threatening partnership up entrance, whereas Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Alhassan managed possession in midfield. Regardless of their dominance, Al-Nassr didn’t capitalize on their early management and shortly discovered themselves trailing. A defensive lapse noticed Al-Shabab take the lead from the penalty spot simply earlier than halftime.

Fortunately, the house facet responded rapidly after the break. Ayman Yahya fired in a surprising equalizer following a Ronaldo free-kick that was solely partially cleared by the Al-Shabab protection. Minutes later, the hosts took the lead when Mane arrange Ronaldo, who drilled a strong end previous Georgiy Bushchan from a decent angle.

With the Knights of Najd main 2-1 at halftime, they appeared poised to assert an essential victory. Nonetheless, their momentum took an enormous hit shortly after the restart.

Pricey pink card led to Al-Shabab’s equalizer

Simply six minutes into the second half, Al-Nassr had been diminished to 10 males. Defender Mohammed Al-Fatil was despatched off after bringing down Podence, who was by way of on objective after latching onto a misplaced go from Brozovic. With the numerical benefit, the guests turned up the strain, launching wave after wave of assaults.

Their persistence ultimately paid off when Mohammed Al Shwirekh scored the equalizer, heading residence from a well-taken nook. With the rating locked at 2-2 and Al-Nassr all the way down to 10 males, Pioli decided that surprised the group.

Why did Ronaldo depart the pitch? Pioli explains

Minutes after Al-Shabab’s equalizer, Pioli made the surprising name to substitute Ronaldo within the 71st minute, changing him with Jhon Duran. The transfer left followers puzzled, because the Portuguese veteran was nonetheless one of the crucial harmful gamers on the pitch.

After the match, the Italian supervisor clarified the choice, explaining that the 40-year-old celebrity was scuffling with fatigue and a few discomfort. “Cristiano requested to return off. He was feeling a little bit of discomfort, and we didn’t wish to take any dangers,” the coach revealed.