RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Al-Nassr go into their crucial Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Taawoun on Friday at 7 PM UK time, knowing they must secure a win to keep their hopes for next season’s continental football alive. After a spectacular 9-0 victory over Al Okhdood in their last outing, Al-Nassr finds themselves in a tight race for a top-two finish, currently sitting third with 63 points and five points behind second-placed Al-Hilal.
The Big Yellows are aware that anything short of victory could spell the end of their aspirations as they face the final three matchdays of the 2024-25 season. Despite having star names in their ranks, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, they are at risk of ending another season without a major trophy, having last lifted the league title in the 2018-19 season. Recently, the team exited the AFC Champions League at the semi-final stage, heightening the stakes for this upcoming match.
In what could be a turning point for them, Al-Nassr’s dominating performance against Al Okhdood was impressive, especially as it came with Ronaldo absent due to fitness issues. Despite the star’s absence, the team delivered a stunning display, with four goals contributing to the largest away win of the season so far. With Ronaldo expected back in the squad, head coach Stefano Pioli might shift back to a 4-4-2 formation, pairing Ronaldo with striker Luis Duran, who scored twice last week.
Meanwhile, Al-Taawoun will arrive at Al-Awwal Park with mixed results. After a promising fourth-place finish last season, their current campaign has seen them struggle, sitting mid-table with only 41 points. They suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against Al Quadisiya in their recent match and have only managed two wins out of their last ten league matches. However, they will have a chance to become the only team this season that finishes without losing to Al-Nassr if they manage to secure a result.
The recent head-to-heads between these two sides haven’t been favorable for Al-Nassr, with them losing both of their last two encounters at home. Al-Taawoun’s strategy will be crucial as they aim to take advantage of Al-Nassr’s inconsistent home performances, where they have dropped points in seven of their last 15 home matches this season.
Captain Ronaldo’s return could instill confidence, but Al-Nassr needs to address their home woes if they plan on challenging for higher honors. The stakes have never been higher as they look to improve their league standing and secure a spot in next year’s AFC Champions League tournament.
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