- 22 hours ago
Time running out for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr
Robin Bairner
- 27 May 2023 12:06 BST
- 2 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first season at Al-Nassr might still end with a trophy – but the hopes of the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend landing silverware could be ended on Saturday, when the Saudi Pro League title could be decided.
Ronaldo has had a somewhat rocky start in Saudi Arabia since moving to Al-Nassr as a free agent following his release from Man Utd by mutual consent in the autumn.
Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr: Goals, assists, results & fixtures
The 38-year-old has returned an impressive 14 goals in 15 Saudi Pro League matches for his new club and was influential as they fought back to claim a 3-2 win over Al-Shabab in midweek, scoring arguably his best goal since moving to the Gulf.
The Pro League title is on the line on Saturday, though, with Al-Nassr obliged to beat Ettifaq in the penultimate week of action. Should they fail, that will open the door for Al-Ittihad to secure the title, with the present league leaders tackling Al Feiha away from home. The two Pro League pacesetters are expected to win these fixtures.
Both of these games take place on Saturday at 19:00 BST.
With the two clubs level on goal difference, Ronaldo’s side could move top of the standings ahead of the final week of fixtures should they win and the leaders lose.
MORE: Ronaldo drops future hint with Saudi Pro League comment
In the final week of fixtures, Al-Nassr are at home against Al Fateh while Al-Ittihad will tackle Al-Ta’ee.
These games will take place on 31 May at 19:00 BST.
Saudi Pro League (Top 5)
| Club | Played | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Ittihad | 28 | +42 | 66 |
| Al-Nassr | 28 | +42 | 63 |
| Al-Shabab | 28 | +24 | 53 |
| Al-Hilal | 28 | +21 | 53 |
| Al-Taawoun | 28 | +7 | 49 |
Messi to threaten Ronaldo next season?
This could be Ronaldo’s best chance to land the Saudi Pro League title, with Al-Hilal ready to sign Lionel Messi on a free transfer from PSG in the summer.
Presently fourth in the standings, Al-Hilal are poised to invest up to €1 billion to attract that World Cup winner to their club for the next two seasons, which will provide Ronaldo and Al-Nassr’s rivals with another major rival for the trophy.
