Cristiano Ronaldo is eying his first league title with Al Nassr as his side takes on Al Hilal in the Riyadh Derby of the Saudi Pro League.
The high-stakes clash at Al Awwal Park has effectively turned into a title decider, with Al Nassr sitting at the top of the table on 82 points from 32 matches. A victory on home soil would seal the championship and end a seven-year wait for league glory, marking a major milestone for Ronaldo since his move to Saudi Arabia.
However, Al Hilal remain firmly in contention, trailing by five points with a game in hand. A win for the visitors would slash the gap to just two points and swing the momentum back in their favour. Even a draw would keep Al Nassr in control, leaving them needing just one more win from their remaining fixtures to clinch the title.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play In Al Nassr vs Al Hilal Match?
Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit, set to start, and will captain Al Nassr in tonight’s high-stakes Riyadh Derby against Al Hilal. The Portuguese star recently reached a landmark by scoring his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in a 4-2 victory over Al Shabab, underlining his sharp form heading into this crucial clash. The stakes could not be higher, as a win for Al Nassr at Al Awwal Park would mathematically seal the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, making this encounter a defining moment in their season.
Earlier, the Portuguese veteran endured a brief injury setback before making a strong return to action for Al Nassr. Ronaldo picked up a right hamstring injury on March 1, 2026, during Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fayha, forcing him to come off in the 81st minute. The issue, diagnosed as a muscle strain, sidelined him for three domestic league matches and also ruled him out of Portugal’s international friendlies against Mexico and the United States later that month.
However, the 41-year-old travelled to Spain to treat his injury during the international break, focusing on advanced pressotherapy and specialised rehabilitation. His recovery proved effective, as he returned to the starting XI on April 3. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner marked his comeback in style, scoring a clinical second-half brace in a 5-2 victory over Al-Najma, reaffirming his fitness and impact.
Two Trophies In 5 Days!
Interestingly, Al Nassr has a golden opportunity to secure two trophies within the span of just five days. If they overcome city rivals Al Hilal in Tuesday’s Riyadh Derby, the Saudi Pro League title will be theirs.
Al Awwal Park could then witness another moment of glory on Saturday, when they take on Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, offering a chance to complete a remarkable double.
Story first published: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 16:21 [IST]
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