Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Al Nassr Against Al Riyadh in Saudi Pro League Clash

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Al Nassr will host Al Riyadh on April 12, 2025, in a critical Saudi Pro League match at Al Awwal Park, with kick-off set for 3 PM local time. The match, part of the league’s 27th round, comes after Al Nassr achieved a decisive 3-1 victory over their rivals, Al Hilal, bolstered by Cristiano Ronaldo‘s remarkable performance, which included two goals.

Currently positioned third in the league standings with 54 points, Al Nassr trails second-place Al Hilal by three points and is eight points behind leaders Al Ittihad. Despite showing strong form, the team faces a tough road ahead to challenge for the title, making every match essential.

Riyadh, conversely, has been struggling, securing only one win in their last five outings. Their prior match ended in a goalless draw against Damac, leaving them ninth in the table. This upcoming clash poses a significant challenge as they aim to turn their fortunes around.

Ronaldo is currently the leading scorer in the league, with 21 goals in 25 appearances. His recent five-goal streak solidifies his status as the primary offensive asset for Al Nassr, and his performance will be crucial as the team seeks to extend their winning momentum.

Meanwhile, Al Riyadh’s success may hinge on the performance of their key goalkeeper, Milan Borjan. With eight clean sheets and a 72.4% save percentage from 26 matches, Borjan is expected to play a pivotal role in preventing Al Nassr from capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.

In terms of lineup updates, Al Nassr will be without defender Mohammed Al Fatil due to a muscle injury, and Abdullah Al Alkhaibari, whose season ended prematurely due to a cruciate ligament injury. Conversely, Al Riyadh boasts a fully fit squad, which might provide them with an edge as they face off against the formidable Al Nassr.

Historically, Al Nassr has the advantage over Al Riyadh, claiming victory in two of their last three encounters. With confidence stemming from their latest win and the home-field advantage, Al Nassr is expected to be favored to win. Predictions suggest a potential score of 3-1 in favor of the Knights of Najd.

For those following betting trends, popular wagers include Ronaldo as the first goal scorer with odds of 11/2, and Al Nassr winning the match at 2/5. Furthermore, a match outcome with over 3.5 total goals is a posited strong probability at odds of 11/10.

As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Al Nassr can maintain their successful streak and if Al Riyadh will find the momentum necessary to compete effectively. With high stakes and an electric atmosphere, this match is set to be an important moment in the Saudi Pro League season.