In attack, familiar faces reunite as former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema spearhead the frontline for Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, respectively.
Both sides boast strength in midfield. For Al Nassr, Marcelo Brozović returns to the squad after missing the King Cup clash against Jeddah, while Al Ittihad will rely on the stability provided by N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho in the center of the pitch.
On the flanks, Al Ittihad fullbacks Ahmed Al-Julaydan and Muath Faqeehi face a stern test. Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will stretch the game wide for Al Nassr, with Coman’s explosive pace and clever movement threatening to unlock the defense. With the likes of Ronaldo and João Félix waiting inside the box, any lapse at the back could prove costly for the home side.
Al Nassr gets the much-needed breathing space, and it is Ronaldo who has found the net to provide that. Ittihad again fails to deal with a cross inside the box.
This time, Mane turns provider as he swings the ball towards the middle. Ronaldo times his run to perfection and rifles the ball inside the goal with a header.
