Al Nassr vs Al Duhail.
Al Nassr won the AFC Champions League group E phase match. In this match, Luis Casto did not play his full starting eleven. even though the match was held at the Abdullah bin Khaifa Stadium, Al Duhail's headquarters. In this match, Luis Casto's squad was able to win the battle even though they fell behind in the 8th minute. Not long after, Talisca was able to equalize and also added another goal 10 minutes later. In the second half, Talisca scored his third goal again. Until finally, Al Duhail was able to reduce the position in the 80th minute with a penalty goal.
In this match, Ronaldo and several other players were not played by Luis Castro. It seems he is confident in the existing squad, even though he only relies on Mane as a center forward. but in fact, Talisca scored a hat trick in this match. In the end, Al Hilal won 4 matches smoothly and became the group leader with 12 points.
Meanwhile, the home team, coached by Christophe Galtier, is at the bottom of the rankings and certainly has no chance of qualifying for the next phase.
Now, Al Nassr must focus on the Saudi Pro League to reduce the difference in points from Al Hilal. Even though it is a challenge, like it or not, Luis Casto has to do it so that his team remains tightly attached to Al Hilal's position at the top of the standings.
Al Hilal and Al Nassr seems like the better chanced teams in the Saudi Pro league as they unending keep winning games with good goal gaps and makes the competition even more tough for themselves, both teams have the ability to keep their stance regardless of whichever player is left out or unavailable, if they can be consistent in this, then no doubt, they'd be able to compete rightly in their rumoured addition to the UEFA Champions league race.
Most people say that Al Nassr breakthrough came from Ronaldo's impact in the team but their last game proved that even without Ronaldo, they can still confidently secure a win. That's a good impression and continuous practice and games without Ronaldo can actually turn out better for them and it'd only result into an even more improved team, but that doesn't mean that Ronaldo's impact is not noticed at the team.