"Ronaldo's presence is like his absence" - Pundit calls out Cristiano Ronaldo's showing in Al-Nassr's loss to Al-Ittihad in King's Cup clash

Former Al-Ahli forward and pundit Amad Al-Hosni has called out Cristiano Ronaldo after the latter struggled during Al-Nassr's 2-1 loss against 10-man Al-Ittihad. Al-Hosni reckons Ronaldo wasn't at his best physically and that Joao Felix would have had more of an impact up front compared to the 40-year-old.

Al-Nassr were knocked out of the King's Cup of Champions following their defeat against Al-Ittihad in the Round of 16 (October 28). Karim Benzema (15') and Houssem Aouar (45+2') were on target for Al-Ittihad. While the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Ahmed Al-Julaydan was sent off in the 49th minute, the Knights of Najd were unable to add to Angelo's 30th-minute goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has impressed this season, recording seven goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions. However, he had an underwhelming display against Al-Ittihad, despite playing all 90 minutes.

Al-Hosni said (via Kooora):

"Ronaldo's presence is like his absence. Ronaldo was not at his best. Perhaps it would have been better for Joao Felix to play as a striker, because he moves more. It is clear that Ronaldo's physical condition was not the best. Is a big name enough to stay on the field?!.. Having Joao – even though he is not an outright striker – in the heart of the attack would have created a greater impact."

As per FotMob, Cristiano Ronaldo completed 19 passes from an attempted 23 (83 percent accuracy), created one chance, and landed one shot on target from five attempts (20 percent accuracy). He also completed zero accurate crosses and lost two duels.

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"I am happy that he did not score against us" - Danilo Pereira makes Cristiano Ronaldo admission after helping Al-Ittihad defeat Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad midfielder Danilo Pereira has admitted he was happy that his compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo, was unable to get on the scoresheet during their 2-1 win over Al-Nassr. He also claimed that his side are focused on retaining the King's Cup after Al-Ittihad impressively won the competition last season, in addition to the Saudi Pro League title.

Pereira told Al Arabiya (via Kooora):

"I know Ronaldo very well, he is an exceptional player, there is no doubt about that, and he is also the captain of our national team, and I am happy that he did not score against us."

He added:

"We were looking at this match and focusing on it because it is in the King's Cup, which is the championship we won last season, so we want to defend our title. It was a good match for the team in general. It is true that Al-Nassr equalized, but our focus was high and we were able to take the lead again."

Despite their disappointing loss, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have made a strong start to the season and are currently top of the Saudi Pro League table. They have secured 18 points from six games and are three points above second-placed Al-Taawoun.

Edited by Silas Sud