In a highly anticipated clash in the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal faced off against their fierce rivals Al Nassr at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on April 4, 2025. This match, part of Matchday 26, was crucial for both teams as they vied for the title in the closing stages of the season.
Al Hilal entered the match in second place with 57 points, trailing league leaders Al Ittihad by four points. Meanwhile, Al Nassr sat in third with 51 points, ten points behind the top spot. With the stakes high, both teams were eager to secure a vital win to bolster their title hopes.
The match kicked off at 2:00 PM ET, and the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness the Riyadh Derby. Al Hilal, known for their home advantage, had won six of the last ten encounters against Al Nassr, making them the favorites. However, Al Nassr was determined to cut the gap between them and their rivals.
As the first half unfolded, both teams displayed an attacking intent. Al Hilal's players, including the likes of Malcolm and Salem Al Dawsari, looked to exploit their home turf, while Al Nassr relied on their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and his striking partner John Durán to make an impact.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. In the 49th minute, Ali Alhassan scored a stunning goal for Al Nassr, curling the ball into the top corner from outside the box after a clever pass from Marcelo Brozovic. This goal sent the visiting fans into a frenzy and gave Al Nassr a 1-0 lead going into the break.
As the second half commenced, Al Nassr doubled their advantage just one minute in. Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the opportunist, found himself in the right place at the right time. After a quick counterattack led by Sadio Mane, Ronaldo received the ball inside the box and finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Al Hilal, now facing a mountain to climb, responded with urgency. They began to pile on the pressure, and their efforts paid off in the 62nd minute when Ali Albulayhi scored from a corner, bringing the score to 1-2. The home crowd erupted as hopes of a comeback surged.
Despite Al Hilal's resurgence, Al Nassr's defense held firm. The visitors, having taken the lead, were now focused on maintaining their advantage. Ronaldo, although instrumental in attack, had moments where he struggled to connect with his teammates, notably missing a chance to extend the lead when he opted for a shot instead of a pass.
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged chances. Marcos Leonardo nearly equalized for Al Hilal, but his shot was deflected wide. Meanwhile, Al Nassr’s defense, anchored by Bento in goal, was resolute, making crucial saves to keep Al Hilal at bay.
In the dying minutes, Al Hilal continued to press, but Al Nassr's defense, including key contributions from Simakan and Alnajdi, managed to thwart their efforts. The game concluded with Al Nassr emerging victorious, securing a vital three points in their quest for the title.
With this win, Al Nassr remained in contention for the top spots, while Al Hilal faced a challenging road ahead to catch up with Al Ittihad. The rivalry showcased the intensity and passion of Saudi football, and both teams will be looking to build on this performance in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this storied rivalry. With the league title still up for grabs, every point will count as the season approaches its climax.
