Cristiano Ronaldo Seeks Second Chance to Win Saudi Pro League Title Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates are determined to reclaim their chance at securing the Saudi Pro League title after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Al Hilal on Tuesday nearly ended their season-long pursuit of the crown. The match, which had seen Al Nassr leading 1-0 in stoppage time, was abruptly halted when Al Hilal’s goal came from a bizarre error by Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento. The Portuguese keeper’s misjudgment allowed the ball to slip through his hands and into his own net, a moment that stunned Al Hilal fans and left Ronaldo and his squad with a renewed focus on the final stretch of the season. Ronaldo, who has been a central figure in Al Nassr’s campaign, expressed his resolve on social media, writing, “The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight.” His message underscored the significance of the upcoming match against Damac on May 20, which could determine whether Al Nassr clinch the title. The outcome will also depend on Al Hilal’s performance in their own fixture against Neom on May 16. Head coach Jorge Jesus, who previously guided Al Hilal to multiple titles in 2024, joined Al Nassr last summer and has been instrumental in shaping their strategy. Speaking after the match, Jesus acknowledged the disappointment of the draw but emphasized the team’s determination. “It’s tough to have lost the possibility to celebrate winning the title today on the last play of the game, but there is still one more game [against Damac] at our stadium, and we can be champions,” he said. Jesus also addressed the controversial goal, clarifying that it resulted from a collision between Bento and Iñigo Martínez, with no involvement from Al Hilal players.#al_hilal #cristiano_ronaldo #jorge_jesus #al_nassr #bento
Cristiano Ronaldo motiva a Al Nassr para la SPL: "Cabezas arriba" Cristiano Ronaldo continúa impulsando a su equipo Al Nassr en la recta final de la Saudi Pro League (SPL), buscando conquistar su primer título de liga en Arabia Saudita. El portugués, quien llegó al club en enero de 2023, utilizó su cuenta de Instagram para animar a sus compañeros tras la frustrante igualdad contra Al Hilal en el último minuto del partido del martes. El encuentro, que se disputó en Riyadh, terminó en un empate 1-1 tras un gol en contra del arquero Bento, lo que le negó a Al Nassr la oportunidad de asegurar el título. El resultado dejó a Al Hilal como el líder provisional de la competición, mientras que Al Nassr aún tiene dos partidos por jugar. La próxima fecha clave será el sábado, cuando enfrentará a Al Hilal en un partido crucial para definir el campeonato. Si Al Hilal no logra ganar en casa contra Neom, Al Nassr tendrá una oportunidad de recuperar la punta. De lo contrario, la definición del título se pospondrá a la última fecha del torneo, el jueves 21 de mayo, donde Al Nassr recibirá a Damac, un equipo que lucha por la permanencia. En su mensaje en redes sociales, Ronaldo destacó la importancia de mantener la calma y el esfuerzo: "El sueño está cerca. Cabezas arriba, tenemos un paso más que dar. ¡Gracias por todo su asombroso apoyo!" Esta frase refleja la determinación del jugador, quien ha sido clave en la campaña de Al Nassr. Hasta ahora, Ronaldo ha marcado 100 goles en la liga saudita, un logro impresionante que lo convierte en uno de los goleadores más destacados de la historia del fútbol. Sin embargo, a pesar de su contribución, el equipo aún no ha conseguido su primer título de liga en el país.#saudi_pro_league #al_hilal #cristiano_ronaldo #al_nassr #bento
How Can Al-Nassr Win the Saudi Pro League? Cristiano Ronaldo’s Path to Title Glory in 2026 The 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League season is approaching its final stretch, with Al-Nassr positioned as the dominant force in the race for the title. Based in Riyadh, the club has surged to the top of the league table, amassing 79 points from 26 matches, including 26 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. With their closest rivals, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, still in the hunt, Al-Nassr needs between 2 to 4 additional victories to secure the championship. If their title challengers falter in the coming weeks, the Riyadh-based side could clinch the league as early as mid-May. Al-Nassr’s dominance has been marked by an impressive 20-match unbeaten streak, a testament to their tactical discipline and attacking prowess. The team’s statistical dominance is evident in their league-leading 81 goals scored and just 21 conceded. At the heart of their success is the dynamic partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix, who have combined for over 40 league goals this season. Their recent 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli highlighted their clinical finishing, with Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman netting the decisive goals. The club’s remaining fixtures will be critical in determining their fate. Their first major challenge is an away match against Al-Qadsiah on May 3, 2026. Managed by Brendan Rodgers, Al-Qadsiah has maintained an unbeaten home record this season, making the trip to Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium a significant test. If Al-Nassr can overcome this hurdle, they will face their fiercest rivals, Al-Hilal, in a pivotal clash on May 12. A win in this Riyadh Derby would not only solidify their position at the top but could also officially crown them as Saudi Arabia’s champions.#al_hilal #cristiano_ronaldo #al_nassr #al_qadsiah #joao_felix
Saudi 400 Billion Won Offer Rejected, Bruno Fernandes Stays at Manchester United Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly endorsed interim manager Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent manager, despite ongoing speculation about his future. Fernandes, 32, expressed unwavering confidence in Carrick’s leadership during a recent interview on "The Wayne Rooney Show," highlighting the manager’s transformative impact on the team. Carrick, 45, took charge of the club in January 2026 after Ruben Amorim was dismissed, steering Manchester United to an impressive 8-4 record in 12 Premier League matches and securing a top-three finish in the league table. Fernandes recalled that Carrick had already demonstrated readiness for a permanent role as early as November 2021, when he first assumed temporary duties at Old Trafford. At the time, Carrick managed three matches, and Fernandes noted how the manager’s preparation and communication with players signaled his preparedness for a higher position. “Watching how he prepared for matches and communicated with us, I felt he was more than just an assistant coach. He was ready for the next step,” Fernandes said. Carrick’s return to the dugout in January coincided with a renewed sense of purpose within the squad. Fernandes credited Carrick for instilling a proactive mindset, shifting the team’s focus from dwelling on past mistakes to concentrating on achieving their season’s goals. “When Carrick arrived, he injected the positive energy the team needed. It wasn’t just empty words; he united the team,” Fernandes explained. “We stopped fixating on ‘what we should have done’ and quickly shifted to a mindset of ‘let’s push forward to achieve what we want this season.#manchester_united #al_hilal #saudi_arabia #michael_carrick #bruno_fernandes
Saudi clubs 'to pursue' Bruno this summer Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes remains a target for Saudi Arabian clubs during the upcoming summer transfer window, despite his expressed commitment to staying with the Red Devils. Fabrizio Romano, the renowned football journalist, reported on his YouTube channel that Fernandes has recently emphasized his contentment with his current role at United, with his focus centered on the club’s potential return to the UEFA Champions League. This ambition has shaped his priorities in the lead-up to the transfer deadline. The interest from Saudi clubs has been consistent over the past three years, with multiple attempts to secure Fernandes’ services. Al Hilal, one of the most prominent clubs in the Saudi Pro League, made a notable effort to sign the Portuguese midfielder a year ago. Despite these persistent overtures, Fernandes has maintained his attachment to United, particularly due to the club’s aspirations to compete in Europe’s premier competition. United’s management has remained optimistic about retaining Fernandes for the next season, with discussions ongoing throughout the current campaign. The club has outlined plans for a final meeting with the player at the conclusion of the season, aiming to solidify his long-term future at Old Trafford. Club officials have expressed confidence in their ability to convince Fernandes to stay, highlighting his integral role in their strategic vision for the future. Fernandes’ decision-making process has been influenced by his desire to participate in Champions League football, a goal that aligns with United’s ambitions under manager Erik ten Hag.#manchester_united #saudi_pro_league #al_hilal #fabrizio_romano #bruno_fernandes
Alwaleed bin Talal helps Al-Hilal halve prices for Al-Khulood match Al-Hilal have announced a significant reduction in ticket prices for their upcoming Roshen League match against Al-Khulood, set to take place at the Kingdom Arena on Wednesday. The club stated that Gold Member Alwaleed bin Talal has covered half the cost of the tickets, excluding the Diamond, Gold, and Silver categories. This decision aims to make the match more accessible to fans and encourage a larger crowd, as the fixture holds particular importance for Al-Hilal’s campaign in the Saudi Pro League. The match, originally scheduled for round 29, has been moved forward to the Kingdom Arena, a decision that aligns with the club’s efforts to maximize attendance. Al-Hilal emphasized its gratitude toward Alwaleed bin Talal for his gesture, which reflects the club’s commitment to engaging supporters and maintaining a strong fan base. The price reduction mirrors similar initiatives by Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal’s traditional rival, which had previously lowered ticket costs for its Roshen League matches to boost attendances. Al-Hilal currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table with 65 points, five points behind the league leaders, Al-Nassr. The club’s position is bolstered by a better goal difference compared to Al-Ahli, its closest competitor. The match against Al-Khulood is a critical opportunity for Al-Hilal to strengthen its position in the standings, particularly as the league enters a crucial phase of the season. The club’s decision to reduce ticket prices underscores its focus on fan engagement and the importance of matchday revenue. By making the game more affordable, Al-Hilal hopes to ensure a full stadium, which not only enhances the atmosphere but also supports the club’s financial and sporting objectives.#kingdom_arena #al_hilal #al_khulood #alwaleed_bin_talal #roshen_league
Al-Hilal Seek Redemption in Clash Against Al Kholood Al-Hilal will look to return to winning ways when they host Al Kholood at the Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday. The hosts sit second in the table, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr, while the visitors are 14th with 26 points from 27 matches. Al-Hilal have put together an exceptional 2025-26 campaign and remain the only unbeaten side in the league, although even that remarkable consistency may not guarantee them the title. The Blue Waves are currently on a staggering 42-match unbeaten run in all competitions, highlighting their dominance, but Simone Inzaghi will still be disappointed after watching his side settle for a 2-2 draw against Al-Taawoun in their most recent outing. A notable pattern in their recent performances has been their ability to start games strongly, having scored first in eight of their last nine matches, including taking the lead through Mohamed Kader Meite in that encounter. However, defensive lapses allowed their opponents to turn the game around, before Marcos Leonardo stepped up to rescue a point with a late equaliser, ensuring their unbeaten run remained intact. At home, Al-Hilal have been particularly dominant, collecting 34 points from 14 matches in Riyadh, but with the gap to the top continuing to widen, they can ill afford further slip-ups, especially against a side they have beaten in each of their last three meetings against Al Kholood. Al Kholood currently sit six points above the relegation zone, but their position is far from secure, and they will be wary of being pulled into the battle for survival if results do not go their way in the closing stages of the season.#saudi_pro_league #simone_inzaghi #al_hilal #al_kholood #des_buckingham
Al-Hilal Follows Al-Nassr’s Lead in Saudi League Title Race with Ticket Price Reduction Al-Hilal, the storied football club of Saudi Arabia, has taken a strategic step to bolster fan support and secure their position in the Saudi Pro League title race by reducing match ticket prices for their upcoming encounter against Al-Khulood. This move aligns them with their traditional rivals, Al-Nassr, who had previously implemented similar measures to encourage attendance. The decision comes as both clubs vie for supremacy in the Roshen League, with Al-Hilal currently trailing Al-Nassr by five points in the standings. The match, scheduled for Wednesday at the Kingdom Arena, marks a pivotal moment in the league campaign. Al-Hilal’s management has emphasized the significance of the fixture, which was moved forward from the 29th round of the season. To make the event more accessible to fans, the club announced a 50% reduction in ticket prices for the match. This initiative was made possible by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a Gold Member of Al-Hilal Club, who covered half the cost of the tickets, excluding the Diamond, Gold, and Silver categories. The club expressed gratitude for his contribution, highlighting his role in making the match more affordable for supporters. Al-Nassr’s earlier decision to lower ticket prices for their Roshen League matches had set a precedent, and Al-Hilal’s response underscores the intense competition between the two clubs. The rivalry, rooted in their shared history and geographical proximity, has intensified this season as both teams battle for the top spot. Al-Hilal’s current position in the league table—second with 65 points—places them just five points behind Al-Nassr, while they maintain a two-point edge over Al-Ahli, who occupy third place.#kingdom_arena #al_hilal #al_nassr #al_khulood #prince_al_waleed_bin_talal
Physical Tests Determine Hassan Tambakti's Status Before the Clasico Hassan Tambakti, the Saudi Al-Hilal defender, will undergo physical assessments in the coming hours to assess his ability to take part in the semi-final clash against Saudi Al-Ahli in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. The 31-year-old sustained a muscle injury during Al-Hilal’s match against Al-Fateh in the 26th round of the Saudi Professional League. He was substituted in the 28th minute of the game, with Abdul Karim Darcy stepping in as his replacement. Initial reports suggest Tambakti may be available for the upcoming match, particularly after joining the team delegation that arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday. His presence in the delegation has raised hopes of his participation in the highly anticipated classic, which is expected to be a pivotal encounter in the competition. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi is anticipated to finalize Tambakti’s involvement in the match before the game, which will be held at the "Al-Inma" Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 10:00 PM Mecca time, and it promises to be a fiercely contested showdown. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for their season. The physical tests will play a crucial role in determining Tambakti’s readiness, as his inclusion could provide a tactical advantage for Al-Hilal. The semi-final clash also comes amid a series of challenges for Al-Hilal, including injuries to key players and internal discussions about management changes. While Tambakti’s potential return offers a glimmer of hope, the team must navigate multiple obstacles to achieve their goal of advancing to the final.#simone_inzaghi #al_hilal #al_ahli #hassan_tambakti #custodian_of_the_two_holy_mosques_cup
King’s Cup semis set up rivalries, redemption and a potential giant killing The Saudi King’s Cup has reached its final stage, with Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli set to face off in the semi-finals at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, while Al-Ittihad will travel to Qassim to take on Al-Kholood. Both matches are scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00pm, with fans across the Kingdom eagerly anticipating the matchups that will determine the final participants. The semi-finals promise dramatic narratives, including the return of a historic rivalry and the possibility of an underdog victory. Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, two of Saudi football’s most storied clubs, are set to renew their long-standing rivalry in the semi-finals. The two teams have clashed in previous King’s Cup finals, with Al-Hilal emerging victorious in two of those encounters. However, Al-Ahli has yet to defeat Al-Hilal in a semi-final, a fact that adds tension to the upcoming match. The rivalry dates back to the 1970s, with memorable moments including Al-Ahli’s 2015/16 season, when they claimed their first league title in 32 years and defeated Al-Hilal in the King’s Cup semi-finals. The match is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams still in the running for the Saudi Pro League title and the AFC Champions League Elite. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad’s semi-final against Al-Kholood presents a different kind of drama. Al-Kholood, a club under foreign ownership, has made history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their club’s history. This marks a significant milestone for the club, which has been led by owner Ben Harburg and head coach Des Buckingham. The match against Al-Ittihad, a team that has faced its own challenges this season, could be a turning point for both sides.#al_ittihad #al_hilal #saudi_kings_cup #al_ahli #al_kholood
Concern Over Dembele's Medical Tests Ahead of Youth Clash The coaching staff of Ettifaq, led by Saad Al-Shehri, is awaiting the results of medical tests conducted on French forward Moussa Dembele to assess his readiness for an upcoming match against Al-Shabab. The 29-year-old striker, who has been a key player for Ettifaq this season, experienced pain that has raised concerns about his ability to participate in the Saudi Roshan League fixture. Dembele has been a significant contributor to Ettifaq's campaign, appearing in 13 matches and scoring five goals while providing one assist in 1025 minutes of play. The team is set to face Al-Shabab in the 25th round of the league on Saturday evening at 10 p.m. Ettifaq currently sits in seventh place with 38 points, aiming to strengthen its position in the standings. Al-Shabab, meanwhile, is in 13th place with 25 points and hopes to improve its standing ahead of the season's critical phase. The potential absence of Dembele has sparked worries for Ettifaq ahead of its next match against Al-Hazm. Additionally, the club is close to renewing the contract of Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum for two more seasons, pending approval of financial sustainability. However, the renewal process faces obstacles due to the club's high salary demands. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has extended its league dominance with a 2-0 victory over Ettifaq, securing the top spot in the Saudi League. The team is also preparing for a match against Ettifaq, with a strong attacking lineup expected. Doubts remain about the participation of Dembele and another player, Al-Ghannam, due to injury concerns ahead of the clash against Al-Hilal. The Saudi League's winter transfer window has seen several developments, with updates on player movements shaping the competition.#al_hilal #al_shabab #saad_al_shehri #ettifaq #moussa_dembele
Al-Hilal vs Al-Najma Match Preview and Analysis Al-Hilal, currently third in the Saudi Pro League table, faces a crucial match against bottom-of-the-table Al-Najma on Friday as they aim to maintain pressure on title contenders. The reigning champions, who had dominated the league with 14 wins in their first 16 games of the season, have slipped back after five draws in their last eight matches. This encounter presents an opportunity for Al-Hilal to strengthen their position in the title race, while Al-Najma will be desperate to secure a surprise result and avoid relegation. Al-Hilal’s squad faces some injury concerns, with Hamad Al-Yami and Saimon Bouabre sidelined. However, the club is hopeful of welcoming Karim Benzema back for the clash. Key players like Hassan Tambakti, Youssef Niacti, and Mohammed Kanoo are still undergoing fitness assessments, while Mohammed Al-Yami and Yusuf Akcicek remain doubtful. In contrast, Al-Najma’s only major absentee is Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri, recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, leaving the team with a relatively healthy squad. The match is expected to favor Al-Hilal, who have remained unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League this season. Their recent form includes a 5-3 victory over Al-Shabab and three clean sheets in their last six games. Al-Najma, however, have struggled throughout the campaign, scoring just 22 goals in 24 matches and failing to find the net in three of their last seven outings. Their away record is particularly poor, with only two points earned from a possible 36 in road games. Al-Hilal’s attacking prowess, highlighted by Ruben Neves’ 10 goals in 22 appearances, should pose a significant threat to Al-Najma’s defense. The visitors’ inability to score consistently could prove costly against one of the league’s strongest teams.#saudi_pro_league #al_najma #al_hilal #ruben_neves #mohammed_al_yami
Inzaghi: "We are waiting for Al-Hilal fans tomorrow" Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al-Hilal, spoke during a press conference ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Al-Najma in the 25th round of the Roshn League. The Italian coach highlighted the significance of the game, emphasizing that Al-Hilal is fully prepared and focused for the encounter. Inzaghi mentioned that the final selection of players for the match will be made after today’s training session. He acknowledged the recent improvements in Al-Najma’s performance, which he attributed to changes in the club’s coaching staff. Inzaghi stressed the need for Al-Hilal to maintain concentration and avoid distractions during the match. The coach also addressed the team’s fans directly, expressing hope that they would attend the game to support the players. He stated that both the squad and himself are eager to see their supporters in the stands. Inzaghi also mentioned Hamad Al-Yami, a player who recently underwent surgery in Finland. He conveyed his well wishes for Al-Yami’s recovery, calling the player a professional and expressing optimism about his return to the team. The match against Al-Najma represents a crucial moment in the league campaign, with both teams vying for strong positions in the standings. Inzaghi’s comments reflect the team’s determination to secure a positive result while acknowledging the challenges posed by their opponents.#al_najma #simone_inzaghi #al_hilal #roshn_league #hamad_al_yami
