Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr's first football team, put an end to the speculation surrounding his immediate future with the club by appearing in the team's training session held at Al-Awwal Park. This decisive appearance comes ahead of the highly anticipated match against Al-Ittihad, a top fixture in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, confirming his readiness and participation in the game.
Background of the return and reasons for the temporary absence
Ronaldo had missed some group training sessions in recent days, sparking widespread speculation in sporting circles. Press reports linked this absence to what they described as the player's "anger" at the team's failure to strengthen its ranks with significant signings during the recent winter transfer window. This is interpreted within the context of Ronaldo's great ambition and constant desire to compete for all titles, as he believes that reinforcing the team with new players was essential to continue competing on multiple fronts, including the domestic league and the AFC Champions League.
The importance and impact of the Saudi Clasico
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds immense historical and popular significance, being one of the most prestigious and enduring rivalries in Saudi football, often referred to as the "Saudi Clasico." This match transcends mere three points; it represents a battle for prestige and supremacy between two of the Kingdom's biggest sporting giants. On an international level, the presence of global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema (playing for Al-Ittihad) has transformed this Clasico into a global sporting event followed by millions worldwide, further enhancing the prestige and value of the Saudi Professional League.
Expected impact on the title race
This match is a pivotal moment in the race for the league title this season. Al-Nassr, fresh off a valuable 1-0 victory against Al-Riyadh in the last round, aims to maintain pressure on the league leaders and close the gap. Ronaldo's return is a huge morale boost for the team; he is not only the team's and the league's top scorer, but also an inspirational leader who instills confidence and motivation in his teammates to achieve victories in big matches. His participation strengthens Al-Nassr's attack and increases their chances of winning the derby, which could have a direct impact on the course of the championship.
