Al-Nassr don show say dem serious this season, as dem beat Al-Ahli of Qatar 5-1 for the AFC Champions League 2 semi-final, wey happen for Zabeel Stadium for Dubai. Now, Cristiano Ronaldo and im boys go face Gamba Osaka from Japan for the final match, wey go take place on May 17.
This final get plenty meaning, because if Al-Nassr win, e go add another continental trophy to Ronaldo wey im don collect plenty for im career. But the thing wey dey sweet pass na say Al-Nassr currently dey top of Saudi Pro League with 76 points after 29 matches, wey include 25 wins, one draw, and only three defeats.
Al-Hilal dey second with 68 points from 28 games, though dem never lose any match this season, but dem draw eight times. The gap between the two teams na eight points, but Al-Hilal get one game wey dem still need to play. If Al-Hilal win that game, the gap go reduce to five points, wey mean say the title race still get life.
Ronaldo join Al-Nassr for January 2023, and since then, im only win one trophy — the Arab Club Champions Cup for 2023, wey FIFA no officially recognize. Some people dey talk say despite im many goals and im part for lifting the club profile, the fact say im no win major Saudi league or continental title dey worry dem.
For this season, Al-Nassr don show strong form, especially for home, where dem win 13 out of 14 matches for Al Awwal Park. The team get 19 consecutive wins across all competitions, wey show say dem dey consistent. Their attack don score 79 goals, the highest for the league, while dem only concede 21, the lowest.
Al-Ahli, wey dey third with 66 points, also get strong record. Dem beat Al-Nassr 3-2 for the reverse fixture earlier this season, and dem just win AFC Champions League for second time in a row. Their striker Ivan Toney don score 27 league goals this season, wey make am one of the most dangerous attackers.
For the upcoming match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli for Al Awwal Park, both teams get injury concerns. Al-Nassr go miss Mubarak Al Buainain and Reghed Najjar, while Sami Al-Najei dey doubt. Al-Ahli go miss Ali Majrashi with hamstring problem, but otherwise dem get full squad.
The head-to-head record between the two sides for the last five meetings show balance: Al-Ahli win two, Al-Nassr win two, and one draw. But Al-Nassr home advantage and current form make dem favourite. If Al-Nassr win, dem go extend their lead and move closer to the title.
The Saudi Pro League get 18 teams, and each team play 34 matches. With five games remaining, Al-Nassr get chance to secure the title, especially if dem beat Al-Hilal for the upcoming direct match, wey many people dey see as the decider.
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