The absence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo from his Al-Nasr team’s squad for the match against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Professional League raised many questions, but the concern was quickly dispelled by the confirmation of his participation in the anticipated match against Al-Ittihad, in a football summit that promises a lot of excitement and competitiveness.
According to the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, writing on his X-platform account, Ronaldo's absence from the Riyadh match was not due to physical reasons or workload management. He explained, "Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate in the Al-Nassr vs. Riyadh match, and his absence is not due to any physical problem, the pressure of matches, or managing his physical fitness," which opens the door to interpretations related to a technical or administrative decision aimed at fully preparing the player for the more important match against Al-Ittihad.
General context: A title battle and a historic Clásico
This decision comes at a crucial juncture in the Saudi Professional League, with Al-Nassr currently second in the standings with 43 points, just behind leaders Al-Hilal. Every point is precious at this stage of the season, and head-to-head matches against top teams like Al-Ittihad carry added weight, not only in terms of the three points but also in terms of the psychological impact on the title race.
Historically, matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, known as the "Saudi Clasico," are among the strongest and most prestigious rivalries in Saudi football. This match gained global significance with the arrival of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr and Karim Benzema for Al-Ittihad, making it a focus of attention for millions worldwide. Ronaldo's presence in this top-tier fixture represents a huge boost for Al-Nassr and enhances their chances of achieving a positive result.
Ronaldo's importance and expected impact
Despite being 38 years old, Ronaldo continues to deliver exceptional performances. This season, he has participated in 22 matches across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 3 assists, proving that he remains the leading force in Real Madrid's attack. His participation in El Clásico is not limited to his technical ability as a decisive goalscorer, but also extends to his leadership role and his influence on the morale of both his teammates and opponents.
The upcoming match against Al-Ittihad, scheduled for Friday evening, is expected to be a true test of Al-Nassr's title aspirations. A victory would mean narrowing the gap with the league leaders or maintaining their current position, and sending a strong message to all rivals, while any other result could complicate the team's task in the long and arduous title race. Therefore, ensuring Ronaldo's physical and mental readiness for this match is a top priority for the coaching staff.
