Ronaldo is ready for El Clásico: Al-Nassr challenges Al-Ittihad in the Roshan summit
Al-Nassr's first football team will resume group training tomorrow, Wednesday, in preparation for the highly anticipated and fiery match against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Arabian football "Clásico," scheduled to be held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This return to training comes after the team's coaching staff granted a one-day rest to the players who participated in the previous match against Al-Riyadh, allowing them to recover before resuming preparations for this crucial encounter.
Regarding the players' condition, reliable sources told Okaz that the rumors circulating about Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo traveling to his country are completely false. The sources confirmed that "CR7" is in Riyadh and is expected to join his teammates in tomorrow's training session, provided he is fully fit, to be a key player in the team's lineup against Al-Ittihad. Al-Nassr suffered significant absences in the last round, including Ronaldo and several foreign professionals, due to muscle fatigue and various injuries. The medical staff is working against the clock to get all players ready, while doubts remain about the availability of Croatian star Marcelo Brozovic for the match due to a muscle injury.
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds immense significance, transcending its status as a mere three-point game. It represents a historic rivalry between the two giants of Riyadh and Jeddah, known as the "Saudi Clasico," which enjoys overwhelming popularity both locally and across the Arab world. This encounter carries a long legacy of fierce competition and unforgettable moments for fans, as each team strives to assert its dominance and prove its technical and psychological superiority over the other, adding extra pressure on players and coaches to deliver their best performances.
In terms of the league standings, Al-Nassr enters this match aiming to close the gap and continue their pursuit of their arch-rival Al-Hilal for the top spot. Al-Nassr currently has 46 points and hopes to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to secure a victory and extend their recent winning streak against Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Taawoun, thus ensuring they remain in the fierce title race until the very end of the season.
The impact of this match extends far beyond the local level, resonating globally due to the presence of some of the world's brightest football stars on both teams, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo. This star-studded lineup has made the Roshan League a focal point for international media, enhancing the match's marketing value and solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for major sporting events.
