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Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent a short message to his teammates via Instagram after they defeated Al-Hazm in the King's Cup in his absence. The 39-year-old superstar was not in the squad as Al-Nassr claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Al-Hazm in their Round of 32 clash.
Ronaldo watched the game from home and was pleased to see his side progress, thanks to a late strike from left-back Nawaf Boushal (90+2'). The Portuguese ace took to his Instagram story to send a message to his teammates, congratulating them for their win.
"Got the win in the King's Cup. Well done!👏🏻" he wrote.
Cristiano Ronaldo was given a well-earned rest by new manager Stefano Pioli for the game against Al-Hazm, with the former AC Milan boss opting for different personnel. New signing Angelo Gabriel started alongside Anderson Talisca and Sadio Mane up front in the absence of the Real Madrid legend.
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Former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic was also missing from the squad as he continues his rehabilitation following an injury, while Mohamed Simakan started on the bench.
Al-Nassr overcome stubborn Al-Hazm despite Cristiano Ronaldo's absence
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo not being named in the squad for the game, Al-Nassr claimed a 2-1 win over Al-Hazm in their King's Cup Round of 32 clash. Finalists in the 2023-24 edition of the tournament, the Knights of Najd managed to claim the win thanks to a late goal.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Stefano Pioli's side in the first half added time (45+6') with his first goal of the 2024-25 season, with Sultan Al-Ghannam assisting him. Al-Hazm equalized in the second half through Basil Alsayyali in the 62nd minute.
Al-Nassr left it late to find a winner when left-back Nawaf Boushal scored in the second minute of added time to secure passage into the last 16.
Al-Nassr will next face Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, September 27.
