Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play what could be the most decisive match of his season as Al Nassr take on title rivals Al Hilal this Monday afternoon.
Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings, four points behind Al Hilal. A defeat in today’s clash could all but end Ronaldo’s hopes of winning his first league title in Saudi Arabia. After leading the table for most of the season, Al Nassr have suffered a downturn in form, recording one draw and two consecutive losses, allowing Al Hilal to open a four-point gap. Another loss would stretch that margin to seven points, making a title comeback extremely unlikely.
The pressure is mounting, and Al Nassr will need the best version of Cristiano Ronaldo to keep the championship race alive. Although the Portuguese star has scored four goals in five matches since returning from the Arab Cup break, his overall form is still considered below his peak level. In the recent match against Al Qadsiah, Ronaldo struggled to influence the game, with João Félix emerging as the main attacking threat—another player Al Nassr will rely on heavily in this crucial encounter.
On the opposite bench, Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi will welcome back Theo Hernández following suspension, although João Cancelo is no longer available, as he is close to completing a transfer to Barcelona. Al Hilal boast a formidable attacking lineup featuring Marcos Leonardo, Darwin Núñez, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Malcom.
Both teams are also affected by absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations, with Sadio Mané missing for Al Nassr, while Al Hilal are without Bono and Kalidou Koulibaly.
This match represents a pivotal moment for Cristiano Ronaldo. Today, he is not only playing for Al Nassr’s season but also for a genuine chance to claim his first club title in five years—a result that could define his chapter in Saudi football.
