In a highly anticipated showdown, Al Nassr is set to host Al Riyadh at the Al Awwal Park on Friday, April 12, 2025, as part of the Saudi Pro League's round 27. Coming off a significant 3-1 victory against their arch-rivals, Al Hilal, the Knights of Najd are looking to maintain their momentum. That match marked a historic moment for Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a brace, securing his first away win against the reigning champions.
Currently, Al Nassr sits in third place in the league standings with 54 points, trailing second-placed Al Hilal by three points and leaders Al Ittihad by eight. Despite their strong performance lately, the title race appears to be slipping from their grasp, making every match crucial as they aim to close the gap.
On the other hand, Al Riyadh finds itself struggling, having only managed one victory in their last eight matches. Their most recent outing ended in a goalless draw against Damac, which has left them languishing in ninth place on the league table. This game against Al Nassr presents a formidable challenge as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
The match is set to kick off at 11:30 PM IST, 18:00 PM GMT, 2:00 PM ET, and 11:00 AM PT, with the referee yet to be announced. Fans can expect an intense atmosphere as both teams vie for crucial points.
In terms of player performances, Cristiano Ronaldo has been in scintillating form, having netted 21 goals in 25 matches this season. His recent five-goal streak has him leading the scoring charts and inching closer to the impressive milestone of 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo's ability to find the back of the net will be pivotal for Al Nassr as they look to secure another victory.
Meanwhile, Al Riyadh's fortunes may hinge on their goalkeeper, Milan Borjan. The towering shot-stopper has been a standout performer for his team this season, boasting eight clean sheets from 26 matches and a commendable save percentage of 72.4%. With 92 saves under his belt, Borjan will be crucial in keeping Al Nassr at bay and providing his team with a fighting chance.
As for injury updates, Al Nassr will be without Mohammed Al Fatil, who is sidelined due to a muscle injury, while Abdullah Al Alkhaibari's season is over after suffering a cruciate ligament injury. In contrast, Al Riyadh is fortunate to have a fully fit squad, which could give them an edge in this encounter.
Historically, Al Nassr has had the upper hand in their previous encounters against Al Riyadh, winning two out of three matches, with one ending in a draw. With confidence on their side following their recent victory and the home advantage, Al Nassr is favored to secure another win. Predictions for the match lean towards a 3-1 victory for the Knights of Najd, as they look to capitalize on Al Riyadh's struggles.
In terms of betting, several tips are circulating among fans and analysts alike. One popular bet is for Cristiano Ronaldo to score the first goal, with odds at 11/2 with bet365. Additionally, Al Nassr winning the match is favored at 2/5 with William Hill, while a match ending with over 3.5 goals is also a strong possibility, with odds of 11/10 available at Sky Bet.
As the anticipation builds for this match, fans are eager to see if Al Nassr can continue their winning ways and if Al Riyadh can rise to the occasion. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric as these two teams clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the Saudi Pro League.
