Al-Nassr Face Diriyah in King's Cup Without Ronaldo
Listen to the story
Al-Nassr took on Al-Diriyah in the Round of 32 of the Saudi King's Cup, one of the country's most important football competitions. The match drew wide attention because of a notable absence.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr's star forward, did not take part in the game. The exact reason for his absence was not confirmed in early reports, though it left fans curious.
Without Ronaldo on the field, coach Ange Postecoglou made a bold decision. He gave midfielder Samu Costa his first starting role for the club, a move that surprised many supporters.
The King's Cup is a knockout competition, meaning the losing team is eliminated immediately. Reaching the Round of 32 already shows both clubs performed well earlier in the tournament.
Fans across Saudi Arabia and beyond followed the live score updates closely, eager to see whether Al-Nassr could progress without their biggest name on the pitch.
Postecoglou's decision to trust Samu Costa reflects his willingness to rotate the squad, especially in a high-pressure knockout format where every match matters.
The outcome of this clash will determine which team advances to the next stage of the King's Cup, keeping the competition's excitement alive for fans.
Vocabulary10 words
- Round of 32
- a stage where 32 teams remain in a competition
- absence
- the state of not being present
- Postecoglou
- the name of Al-Nassr's football coach
- starting role
- a position of playing from the beginning of a match
- knockout
- a competition where losers are removed immediately
- live score updates
- reports of the score as the game happens
- squad
- the full group of players on a team
- clash
- a match between two competing teams
- eliminated
- removed from a competition after losing
- tournament
- a series of matches in a competition
Quiz
Answer key
1. A knockout competition 2. He was given his first start for Al-Nassr 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Al-Nassr took on Al-Diriyah in the Round of _____ of the Saudi King's Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr's star forward, did not take part in the _____.
The exact reason for his absence was not _____ in early reports.
Coach Ange _____ made a bold decision.
He gave midfielder Samu Costa his first _____ role for the club.
The King's Cup is a _____ competition, meaning the losing team is eliminated immediately.
Fans across Saudi Arabia followed the live score _____ closely.
Postecoglou's decision to trust Samu Costa reflects his willingness to rotate the _____.
The outcome of this clash will determine which team _____ to the next stage.