Al-Nassr found itself frustrated again when held to one 2-2 draw Against Al-Shabab in a hard-fought competition at home. Cristiano Ronaldo was again on the score, Delivering a moment of brilliance, but his contribution was not enough to secure all three points. The match took a surprising turn when The Portuguese were replaced during the second half, arouses concern among the fans if one Any damage. Now head coach Stefano Pioli has revealed the reason behind the decision.
As he entered this fixture, Pioli was waiting for a strong reaction from his team after two disappointing results. The home team started brightly, with Ronaldo and Sadio Mane forms a threatening partnership in front, while Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Alhassan Controlled possession in the midfield. Despite their dominance, Al-Nassr failed to take advantage of its early control and was soon trailer. A defensively passed, Al-Shabab saw the lead from the penalty scene just before half time.
Fortunately, the home team responded quickly after the break. Ayman Yahya fired in a fantastic equalizer After a Ronaldo-Freemason Park that was partly cleared by the Al-Shabab defense. Minutes later the hosts took the lead when Mane set up Ronaldo, who drilled a powerful finish past Georgiy Bushchan from a narrow angle.
With Knights of Najd Leading 2-1 At half -time, they seemed prepared to demand an important victory. But their speed took a massive hit shortly after the restart.
Costly red card led to al-Shabab’s equalizer
Just Six minutes into the second half, Al-Nassr was reduced to 10 men. Defender Mohammed al-Fatil was sent by After taking down Podence, which was through on goal after barking on a misplaced pass from Brozovic. With the numeric advantage, visitors turned the pressure and launched the wave after the wave of attacks.
Their endurance eventually paid off when Mohammed Al Shwirekh made the equalizer and went home from a well -taken corner. With the point locked at 2-2 and al-Nassr down to 10 men, Pioli made a decision that anesthetized the audience.
Why did Ronaldo leave the plan? Pioli explains
Minutes after the al-Shabab’s equalizer, Pioli called the unexpected call to replace Ronaldo in the 71st minute and replace him with Jhon Duran. The move left the fans puzzled, as the Portuguese veteran was still one of the most dangerous players on the pitch.
After the match, the Italian boss clarified the decision and declared it The 40-year-old superstar struggled with fatigue and a little discomfort. “Cristiano asked to get off. He felt a little discomfort, and we didn’t want to take any risks, ” The coach revealed.
