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Pakhtakor vs Al-Nassr will take place without Cristiano Ronaldo after Al Nassr left the veteran forward out of its squad for Monday’s AFC Champions League fixture in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The decision comes as the Saudi club manages a demanding schedule, extensive travel and growing concerns about security across the region.
Ronaldo was rested by coach Ange Postecoglou, who also left Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan out of the traveling squad. Speaking at a news conference in Uzbekistan, Postecoglou said the decision was influenced by “the pressure of matches and the amount of travel involved.”
Breaking Pakhtakor vs Al-Nassr Team News
The absence of Ronaldo is a major talking point ahead of the continental contest. The 41-year-old captain scored a hat trick in a Saudi Pro League match last week, taking his stated career total for club and country to 985 goals as he continues his pursuit of 1,000.
Although the forward has been in impressive scoring form, Al Nassr’s management has chosen caution. Ronaldo also received a rest last week after Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates declined to travel to Riyadh for an AFC Champions League match. That game was subsequently postponed.
For Al Nassr, the timing is significant. The club is aiming to win its first Asian title but has endured a slow start in the expanded competition. The Riyadh-based side currently sits ninth in the western zone, making it the lowest-ranked of Saudi Arabia’s five representatives in the 32-team tournament.
Ronaldo Rested as Al Nassr Chases Asian Progress
The AFC Champions League format divides the competition into eastern and western groups, each containing 16 teams. The top eight sides from each region will progress to the knockout stage, leaving Al Nassr with little room for further setbacks.
Postecoglou acknowledged that the team had not enjoyed ideal preparation conditions at the beginning of the season. However, he insisted that the squad had now reached “an excellent stage” despite the difficult schedule and early challenges.
Without Ronaldo, Al Nassr will need greater attacking responsibility from its other forwards and midfield players. His leadership, movement and finishing have made him central to the club’s ambitions, but the coaching staff will hope a refreshed squad can deliver an important away result against Pakhtakor.
Security Concerns Add Pressure to the Fixture
The match is being played against a wider backdrop of regional security concerns. Al Nassr’s previous home Champions League game on Oct. 12 was delayed by an hour following reports of missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The postponement involving Al-Wasl also highlighted the practical challenges facing teams traveling to Saudi Arabia. While the Pakhtakor vs Al-Nassr fixture is expected to proceed, concerns remain about whether regional instability could continue affecting Asian club competitions.
Those concerns extend beyond this match. The Asian Cup is scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 7, and Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto recently questioned whether the tournament could safely take place as planned.
Miyamoto said the situation remained unsafe based on reports he had seen. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, however, said officials could wait until the end of November before making a final decision. He acknowledged that the tournament could be moved to 2028 if conditions required a change.
What the Result Means for Al Nassr
A positive result in Tashkent would help Al Nassr stabilize its Champions League campaign and strengthen its hopes of reaching the knockout rounds. A defeat, meanwhile, could increase pressure on Postecoglou and leave the club with a steeper path toward qualification.
Ronaldo’s absence does not remove Al Nassr’s quality. The squad includes several experienced international players, including Coman and Simakan, although both are also being managed during this demanding period. The challenge will be replacing the Portuguese star’s influence in front of goal.
As reported by ESPN News Services, with information from The Associated Press, the fixture also carries importance beyond the standings. It will test whether Asian football can continue operating normally amid travel complications and security uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing in Pakhtakor vs Al-Nassr?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al Nassr’s squad for the AFC Champions League match against Pakhtakor.
Why is Ronaldo missing the match?
Coach Ange Postecoglou said Ronaldo was rested because of the pressure of matches and the amount of travel involved.
Where is the match being played?
The match is scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
How is Al Nassr performing in the AFC Champions League?
Al Nassr is ninth in the western zone group and is currently the lowest-ranked of Saudi Arabia’s five representatives.
Could security concerns affect the Asian Cup?
Yes. Officials are monitoring the regional situation, and the Asian Cup could be relocated or delayed if safety conditions do not improve.
