Cristiano Ronaldo issues message to team-mates as Al-Nassr get narrow win in King's Cup without their star player

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a congratulatory message to his Al-Nassr team-mates after they beat Al-Hazem 2-1 in the King Cup of Champions.

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• Ronaldo absent from Al-Nassr win
• Nawaf Boushal scored last-minute winner
• Ronaldo sends congratulations

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Al-Nassr played second-tier Al-Hazem in the King's Cup and won 2-1, with Nawaf Boushal's last-minute winner following Sadio Mane's strike in first-half injury time. Ronaldo was not in the squad, as coach Stefano Pioli rotated his side.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pioli opted to rest Ronaldo ahead of last Friday's clash against Al-Wehda, and their AFC Champions League tie against Al Rayyan. Without him, Al-Nassr were not exactly comfortable, but he was pleased to see his side progress, as he continues to wait for his first Saudi Arabian trophy.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Ronaldo posted on Instagram: "Got the win in the King's Cup. Well done!"

  @cristiano Instagram

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Al-Nassr play Al-Wehda on Friday, then face Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League on Monday. Ronaldo is likely to play a part in both fixtures.