Al-Nassr Triumphs Over Damac Without Ronaldo in Last-Minute Thriller
In a dramatic showdown on April 22, 2025, Al-Nassr secured a stunning 3-2 victory over Damac in the Saudi Pro League—a result that has fans buzzing not just for the scoreline but for who was missing: Cristiano Ronaldo. With their 40-year-old star left out of the squad, this emotional match proved Al-Nassr might just have what it takes to succeed without their talisman.
A Rivalry Defined by Dominance
Heading into the encounter, Al-Nassr had dominated their head-to-head with Damac, winning 8 of their last 11 meetings. Damac, winless against Al-Nassr since 2021, was desperate to break their 1,474-day drought. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, sitting third in the table, needed all three points to keep pace with title-chasing rivals like Al-Ittihad.
A Squad Without CR7
Shockwaves rippled through the football world when fans discovered that Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in the matchday squad. According to Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli, the decision was strategic, with a crucial Champions League quarter-final looming on April 26.
Cristiano Ronaldo helped us build this team as the leader of the group... He is no longer young, but with the same enthusiasm as when he was a kid.
Resting a league-leading scorer with 23 goals isn’t a choice made lightly—and fans were divided on Pioli’s gamble.
An Emotional Rollercoaster
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al-Nassr showed resilience. The game see-sawed with both clubs finding the net, but it was Sultan Al-Ghannam who sealed the moment of magic in stoppage time. Al-Ghannam’s 94th-minute goal lifted Al-Nassr to a vital win and sparked wild celebrations among supporters.
Sultan Al-Ghannam netted a last-gasp winner to seal crucial three points for Pioli’s side, proving Al-Nassr’s depth beyond Ronaldo.
According to the match report from FOX Sports, Al-Nassr’s third goal didn’t just win the match—it moved them closer to Champions League qualification. They now sit third in the SPL, just 8 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
The Debate Over Ronaldo’s Impact
Fans were left debating a key question: Can Al-Nassr thrive without Ronaldo? Some pointed to the team’s grit and depth, highlighted by their ability to win under pressure. Others criticized Pioli’s risky decision, fearing it could backfire in the tight league race.
Though Damac fought valiantly, their ongoing dry spell against Al-Nassr continues. For Al-Nassr, this game wasn’t just about three points—it was a test of identity. With Ronaldo rested for the upcoming clash against Yokohama F. Marinos in the AFC Champions League, the stage is set for another major showdown.
Conclusion
✔️ Al-Nassr showed resilience and depth by triumphing 3-2 without Ronaldo
✔️ The emotional last-minute winner and strategic squad choices have ignited fan debate and set the tone for their upcoming continental clash
