Opponent 'shoots themselves in the foot', Ronaldo's path to Saudi Pro League title widens

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are gaining a major edge in the competition for the Saudi Pro League championship

Since ending his goal drought, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the key factor driving Al Nassr's powerful surge in the Saudi Pro League title race. The entire team is in excellent form with a winning streak of 11 matches across all competitions, including a perfect 27 points domestically. This has allowed them to capitalize on the decline of Al Hilal, their rival who has dropped points in the last two rounds (two draws). This contrasting run of results has helped Al Nassr reclaim the top spot in the standings, while Al Hilal has fallen to third place.

Previously, Al Nassr went through a difficult period in early January, losing all three of their first matches of the year, including a 1-3 defeat to Al Hilal themselves. This loss had allowed their city rivals under coach Jorge Jesus to extend the gap to seven points and temporarily lose control of their own destiny in the title chase.

On the other hand, Al Hilal made efforts to strengthen their squad in the recent transfer window to solidify their leading position. The most notable signing was the arrival of Karim Benzema, along with several other experienced players. The initial impact was quite positive as Al Hilal secured a resounding 6-0 victory in their very first match after Benzema's arrival.

However, that momentum was quickly halted by an injury storm. Benzema was absent from the latest round due to an adductor muscle injury, confirmed to require 10 to 15 days for treatment and recovery. Additionally, Nasser Al-Dasari is out for three to four weeks with a toe injury, while Hassan Al-Tambakti missed the match against Al-Shabab due to a hamstring issue. Defender Yusuf Akcicek is still recovering from lower abdominal pain, and goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Yami continues separate training to treat a finger injury.

Al Hilal's injury list is seen as a considerable advantage for Al Nassr, a club still hungry for a trophy since Ronaldo joined in 2023. The team has finished as runners-up twice in the last three seasons, and this current campaign is viewed as a major opportunity for them to realize their dream of winning the Saudi Pro League.