Al-Nassr is preparing for the highly anticipated Saudi Arabian football classic against its traditional rival, Al-Ittihad, in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This match carries significant weight in the title race. Adding to the intensity of the encounter is the absence of Portuguese icon and team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, for the second consecutive match, presenting the team with a true test of its ability to maintain its upward trajectory without its top scorer.
Background to the event: The Ronaldo deal and its impact on the Saudi League
Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2022, Saudi football has undergone a qualitative and historic transformation. The deal was more than just a sporting contract; it was a national project aimed at drawing global attention to the Saudi Professional League, which, thanks to this move, became a destination for the world's biggest stars. Ronaldo's presence not only boosted Al-Nassr's technical and marketing value but also contributed to raising the level of competition and attracting big-name players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mané to the league, making every match, especially the Clasico encounters, a global event watched by millions.
Al-Nassr's performance without Ronaldo: Numbers speak for themselves
Despite Ronaldo's immense technical and leadership value, Al-Nassr displayed remarkable tactical flexibility and collective strength in the matches he missed this season. Prior to facing Al-Ittihad, the club had played six matches without their captain, achieving a perfect record of victories in all of them. These results were not ordinary; they were achieved through strong attacking performances and mostly clean sheets, reflecting the depth of the squad and the variety of attacking options available to coach Luis Castro.
Al-Nassr's winning record in Ronaldo's absence this season:
- Victory over Al-Riyadh with a score of 1-0 (Roshan League)
- Victory over Istiklol Dushanbe with a score of 5-0 (AFC Champions League)
- Victory over Istiklol Dushanbe with a score of 4-0 (AFC Champions League)
- Victory over Al-Zawraa of Iraq with a score of 2-0 (King Salman Cup for Clubs)
- Victory over Chinese side Gao with a score of 4-0 (friendly match)
- Victory over Chinese side Gao with a score of 2-1 (friendly match)
Importance and expected impact: A Clasico that goes beyond three points
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match takes on added significance this season. Domestically, Al-Nassr aims to maintain pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal and close the gap in points, as any slip-up could significantly diminish their title aspirations. A victory in this derby, even without Ronaldo, would send a powerful message to rivals that Al-Nassr is a cohesive unit, not reliant on a single star. Regionally, these clashes between top Saudi clubs reflect the strength and competitiveness of the league, reinforcing its status as the strongest in Asia. Ronaldo's absence puts other players in the spotlight, such as Anderson Talisca and Sadio Mane, who will have to shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack and prove their ability to decide big matches.
