All eyes of Saudi and international football fans are on Al-Ahli Stadium, where everyone is eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated Saudi Clasico between Al-Nassr and their traditional rivals, Al-Ittihad, in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. However, the atmosphere surrounding the Al-Nassr camp is tense with anxiety after international media reports revealed a shocking surprise regarding the final decision of Portuguese star and team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, on whether he will participate in this crucial match.
According to Goal.com, the signs are strongly pointing towards Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from El Clásico. The report explains that the Portuguese star is deeply dissatisfied with what he perceives as the club's failure to meet his expectations during the recent winter transfer window. He had hoped to see the team strengthened with high-profile signings that would enable them to compete strongly for all titles. This frustration has affected his commitment, as Ronaldo missed the team's training session on Tuesday, further reinforcing the likelihood of his absence from the match.
Historical context and growing importance of El Clásico
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match is one of the most prestigious encounters in Saudi football history, representing a footballing summit that brings together two of the Kingdom's biggest clubs. Historically, this match has always been characterized by intense rivalry and competition both on and off the pitch. With Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Al-Nassr in early 2023, the derby took on a global dimension, becoming a focus of international media attention and fans worldwide, who follow the performance of one of the greatest players in history in one of Asia's strongest leagues.
The potential impact of Ronaldo's absence on Al-Nassr and the title
If Ronaldo's absence is officially confirmed, it won't be just the absence of an ordinary player. He's not only the team's captain and top scorer, but also an inspirational figure upon whom the team relies in difficult moments. His recent absence from the Riyadh match, which Sadio Mane won with a single goal, demonstrated that the team can still achieve victory. However, facing Al-Ittihad is a completely different matter in terms of intensity and the pressure from the home crowd. Tactically, Al-Nassr will lose its formidable attacking force and its ability to decide matches. Morally, his absence could affect his teammates' confidence, especially given the importance of the match in the fiercely contested Roshan League title race, where dropping any points could give rivals the opportunity to widen the gap at the top.
