The coaching staff of Al-Nassr FC decided to exclude the team's captain, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, from the squad called up for the match against Al-Riyadh FC, a move that has sparked questions from fans and sports media. This decision comes at a crucial time in the Saudi Professional League, as Al-Nassr aims to continue accumulating points and compete for the top spot in the standings.

The reason for Ronaldo's absence from the mini-Riyadh derby

According to sources close to Al-Nassr, the decision to exclude "Madeira Rocket" was based on the technical staff's assessment and in coordination with the medical team. This was done to give the player some rest or because he wasn't 100% fit for the match. This strategy aims to protect the player's health and prepare him for upcoming major matches, both in domestic and continental competitions, especially given the recent congested fixture schedule the team has faced.

The context of the competition in the Saudi Roshan League

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Riyadh match holds special significance, not only because it's a "mini-derby" between two Riyadh-based teams, but also because Al-Nassr is currently in a crucial phase where dropping any points is essential to remaining in the fierce competition with their arch-rivals Al-Hilal and the other competing clubs. Al-Nassr occupies a high position in the league standings, making every match a cup final, and any slip-up could complicate their title aspirations.

The impact of Ronaldo's absence on the team

There is no doubt that the absence of a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's stature and value casts a shadow on the team's technical and morale performance. Ronaldo is not just the league's top scorer; he is the leader and the primary driving force behind the attacking system. However, Al-Nassr possesses a squad of international and local stars capable of compensating for this absence, such as Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca, who bear the responsibility of leading the attack and dismantling Al-Riyadh's compact defense.

Regional and global importance of the event

Since Ronaldo joined the Saudi League, Al-Nassr's news has captured global attention. The Portuguese star's absence from any match immediately becomes fodder for the international press, reflecting the soft power and significant impact of the Saudi sports project. This global interest puts positive pressure on the rest of Al-Nassr's players to prove their worth and ability to win and deliver entertaining performances even in the absence of the team's icon, thus enhancing the strength and competitiveness of the Saudi League as a whole.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli's first football team, has made his final decision regarding the participation of Turkish defender Merih Demiral in the highly anticipated match against Al-Hilal. The coach decided to exclude the player from the squad that will compete in the Saudi Arabian football classic, part of the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League, in a match to be held at the Kingdom Arena.

Yasle's decision to exclude Demiral from the derby match stemmed from the Turkish defender's lack of full technical and physical readiness, making his inclusion a risk that could aggravate his condition. Consequently, Al-Ahli's coaching staff opted to start young defender Rayan Hamed in central defense, forming a defensive partnership with Brazilian Roger Ibanez, in an effort to bolster the back line against Al-Hilal's attacking prowess.

Merih Demiral recently suffered a thigh muscle injury during his team's league match against Al-Khaleej. Despite undergoing intensive rehabilitation and treatment over the past few days, the medical staff preferred not to rush his return to the field until he was 100% recovered, to ensure his availability for the crucial remaining matches of the season.

Al-Ahli enters this match with high morale, buoyed by their resounding 4-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq in the previous round at Al-Inma Stadium. That match saw a remarkable performance from English striker Ivan Tony, who scored a hat-trick, providing a positive indication of the team's attacking prowess and its ability to compensate for any defensive absences through its scoring prowess.

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match carries immense strategic importance that transcends the three points; it represents a footballing summit that attracts a massive following both locally and regionally. Al-Ahli aims to use this encounter to prove its ability to challenge the league leaders and close the points gap, in addition to strengthening its position in the top four to secure an Asian Champions League spot next season. Facing Al-Hilal at their new stadium will be a true test of Al-Ahli's defensive solidity and coach Yassla's tactical acumen in handling high-stakes matches.

Demiral's absence is a significant loss given his extensive international experience and leadership qualities in defense. However, the confidence Yassla places in his replacement, Ryan Hamed, reflects the coaching staff's belief in the quality of the team's young players. Al-Ahli fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the team will handle the pressure of the match at the Kingdom Arena, hoping for a repeat of their strong performance against Al-Ettifaq and a positive result at their traditional rivals' home ground.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has launched a scathing attack on Premier League referees, demanding they maintain complete "neutrality" after his team's thrilling and disappointing draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, a result that dealt a severe blow to City's hopes of retaining their title.

Match scenario and refereeing controversy

Manchester City were in complete control of the match in north London, leading 2-0 and seemingly securing all three points. However, the turning point came when the referee awarded a goal to Tottenham, scored by Dominic Solanke. This goal sparked a storm of controversy, as television replays showed strong contact and a possible foul by the striker on City defender Mark Guihi before the ball crossed the line.

The excitement didn't stop there, as Solanke returned to score the equalizer in a spectacular fashion with a "scorpion kick," forcing City to settle for a single point, thus widening the gap with leaders Arsenal to a full six points, a significant difference given the fierce competition in the Premier League.

Rodri's angry statements

Speaking to Australian network Stan Sport, Rodri did not hide his feeling of injustice, saying: “I know we have won a lot in recent years, and people don’t want us to win again, but the referee has to be impartial. Honestly, what happened is unfair to me.”.

The Spanish star added, explaining the details of the controversial situation: “In the end, when everything is over, we feel frustrated because the mistake was very clear. He kicked his leg, and of course, due to the push resulting from the movement, the ball reached the goal. Mark Guihi got to the ball first, and it was a clear mistake.”.

The context of the competition and the pressure to retain the title

These comments come at a very sensitive time in the Premier League. Manchester City, who have dominated the competition in recent seasons, face an unprecedented challenge in maintaining their high level of performance. Analysts believe Rodri's remarks reflect the immense psychological pressure on the team, as the smallest details now determine the fate of the title.

Rodri emphasized this point, saying, “We have to pay attention to these small details, otherwise it will become difficult for everyone, because that’s how this tournament is; it’s decided by the details, and everything counts.” He stressed that the feeling of injustice wasn’t limited to today’s match, but extended to two or three similar incidents in recent weeks.

Guardiola and the theory of “playing against the current”

Rodri is not the only dissenting voice within the Etihad; Spanish coach Pep Guardiola this sentiment last week, asserting that his team's historic success came "despite" consistently biased refereeing decisions against them. This alignment of opinions between the coach and the players points to a firm conviction within the City dressing room that the team is facing double standards in refereeing that could hinder their title aspirations this season.