Cristiano Ronaldo’s sublime winner for Al Nassr against Al Shabab on Tuesday deprived Al Ittihad of sealing the Saudi Pro League trophy with two rounds to spare. With three points separating the title chasers, we look at what faces both clubs as the season races to a dramatic conclusion.
Saturday, May 27
Needing one win from their two remaining fixtures to secure the title, victory for Ittihad at 12th-placed Al Fayha will get the job done irrespective of what Nassr do away to Al Ettifaq, who sit 10th. Ittihad hold a superior head-to-head record over Nassr – the league’s first decider should teams be level on points – having beaten their title rivals 1-0 at home in March.
The initial encounter between the two, at Mrsool Park in October and long before Ronaldo arrived, finished goalless. So, should Ittihad triumph at Al Fayha, who have one win in 10, they will clinch a first top-flight crown since 2009.
Wednesday, May 31
However, if Ittihad drop points at Fayha, victory for Nassr at Ettifaq would set up a thrilling finale four days later. On the 2022/23 campaign’s final day, Nassr host Al Fateh, currently sixth, while Ittihad entertain eighth-placed Al Tai.
The Jeddah side, who enjoy an incredible home support, will fancy their chances of getting the win that would render redundant Nassr’s result: Ittihad have won seven of their past eight matches at home, including the last five. Yet the pressure will be on the league leaders after they threw away a 16-point lead last season to finish runners-up. Nassr, chasing a first title in four years, need to be ready to pounce.
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Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring the winning goal in a 3-2 win over Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, on May 23, 2023. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball. AFP -
Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo runs at the Al Shabab defence. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo is marked by Al Shabab's Iago Santos. AFP -
Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo receives medical attention on the pitch. AFP -
Al Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo. AFP -
Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo stands for the anthem ahead of the Saudi Pro League match against Al Shabab at Al Awwal Park. AFP -
Cristiano Ronaldo attempts a shot against Shabab's South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. AFP -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the match. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans after the match. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo in action. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo in action. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo remonstrates. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammates after scoring. AFP -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo in action with Al Shabab's Hassan Tambakti. Reuters -
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal. Reuters
