The enthusiastic atmosphere returned to the training of the Saudi Al-Nassr club on Wednesday evening with the participation of the global Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo in the training session, announcing his readiness to participate in the anticipated match that will bring his team together with Al-Ittihad club, in a football summit that Saudi and Arab fans are waiting for within the competitions of the Roshan Professional League.
The captain returns before the decisive confrontation
Ronaldo's absence from the last training session had raised some concerns among Al-Nassr fans, especially after he also missed the team's previous match against Al-Riyadh. Although no official reason was given for his absence, his quick return to group training dispelled those fears and underscored the great importance the player places on this crucial league match.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match is considered one of the most prominent encounters in the history of Saudi football, known as the "Saudi Clasico." This match brings together two teams with massive fan bases and a rich history of achievements and championships. The rivalry gained additional global momentum after Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2012, in a historic transfer that brought the Saudi league into the global spotlight. The competition intensified further with the arrival of other international stars like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté at Al-Ittihad, the reigning league champions.
The expected impact of the match on the league's trajectory
This match is of paramount importance to both teams. Al-Nassr, currently second in the standings, is aiming for a victory to maintain pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal and close the gap, hoping for a slip-up from the latter in any upcoming round. Any result other than a win could widen the gap and diminish Al-Nassr's title hopes. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad enters the match with the goal of regaining its footing and improving its position in the standings, striving to return to the top spots and compete for a place in Asian competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old veteran, is the cornerstone of Al-Nassr's attack this season. He has participated in 22 matches across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 3 assists, highlighting his crucial role and significant impact on the team's performance. Al-Nassr is scheduled to host Al-Ittihad next Friday evening in a match expected to draw a large crowd and extensive media coverage both locally and internationally.
