In a surprising tactical move, Al-Nassr's Portuguese coach, Luis Castro, decided to exclude two of his foreign players from the squad that will face arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League's top match, known as the "Saudi Clasico." This decision comes at a crucial point in the season, as Al-Nassr aims to maintain pressure on the league leaders and secure every possible point in the title race.
According to sources close to the club, the decision was made for purely technical and tactical reasons, as well as to manage player fatigue given the congested fixture schedule. Castro preferred to rest one of the key players to avoid exacerbating physical exhaustion, while the exclusion of the other player was a tactical choice aimed at implementing a specific approach in the match and surprising the opponent with fresh options that could provide the team with different solutions on the pitch.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
This match cannot be viewed as merely a three-point league contest; the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad derby represents one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Saudi football history. The rivalry between these two giants, representing Riyadh and Jeddah, stretches back decades, witnessing countless thrilling encounters, intense competition, and historic matches that remain etched in the memories of fans. With the current surge in the Saudi Professional League, featuring global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane for Al-Nassr, and Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante for Al-Ittihad, the derby has acquired a global dimension, attracting the attention of fans worldwide.
The expected impact of the decision on both teams
Castro's decision is expected to have a direct impact on both teams' plans. For Al-Nassr, this decision presents a true test of the squad's depth and the ability of the substitutes to fill the void and deliver the expected performance in a match of this magnitude. It also represents a calculated gamble by the Portuguese coach, who is betting that his strategy will pay off. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad might see these absences as an opportunity to try and control the game and exploit any potential weaknesses in Al-Nassr's lineup. Coach Marcelo Gallardo will undoubtedly study the changes and instruct his players to capitalize on them. The result of this encounter will not only affect the two teams' league positions but will also provide a huge morale boost for the winner in the remaining stages of the season.
