Italian coach Stefano Pioli officially announced the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr's match against Damac. The absence is due to Pioli's desire to rest the Portuguese star before the Asian elite match against Yokohama Japanese. Senegalese winger Sadio Mane is also absent from the match due to accumulated cards.

The absence of Ronaldo and Mane prompted the coaching staff to adjust the usual tactical plan. Pioli decided to switch from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 in order to strengthen the flanks and activate the attack. John Duran will play as the center forward, flanked by Angelo and Wesley.

The defeat against Al Qadsiah in the last round left a negative psychological impact on the players. There was an atmosphere of sadness and anxiety during the training sessions preparing for the Damac match. The players feel guilty due to the declining performance and the diminishing chances of competing for the title.

Pioli engaged in a heated discussion with Polish referee Simon Marciniak following the recent loss. The Al Nassr coach confirmed that the referee's decisions negatively affected the course of the match against Al Qadsiah. The conversation revealed rising tension within the team's corridors ahead of the anticipated match against Damac.

A new crisis erupted within the team as the summer transfer market approaches. One of the local stars requested to leave Al Nassr in protest against the marginalization of his technical role. Despite his brilliance at the beginning of the season alongside Ronaldo, his presence in Pioli's plans has diminished.