Al Nassr face a key Saudi Pro League title challenge later today as they head to rivals Al Ittihad in a showdown between the top two sides.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s visitors currently have a two point lead over second place Al Ittihad, after 19 games played, and an away win would offer a crucial boost, with 10 matches left to play. Consequently, defeat would see Al Nassr drop from the top spot and replaced by today’s opponents.
Ronaldo’s form has continued to improve, after initially struggling in Riyadh, with the Portuguese star leading them to a 3-1 fightback win over Al Batin last time out. Incredibly, he has scored all eight of his league goals with the team so far on the road, meaning he could be in store for another big night away from home.
However, despite the Ronaldo factor for Al Nassr, hosts Al Ittihad have a strong squad, which is sprinkled with European experience, and led by former Tottenham and Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Sporting News will tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr in this crucial Saudi Pro League clash.
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Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr live score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Al Ittihad | — | — | — |
| Al Nassr | — | — | — |
Goals:
None
Confirmed lineups:
Al Ittihad lineup (4-2-3-1): Grohe (GK) — Alolayan, Sharahili, Hegazy, Bamsaud— Hamed, Henrique — Romarinho, Coronado, Al-Bishi — Hamdallah
Al Nassr lineup (3-5-2): Alaqidi (GK) — Al-Amri Madu, Gonzalez — Al-Ghanam, Gustavo, Al-Sulaiheem, Ghareeb, Konan — Ronaldo, Maran
MORE: Al Nassr live streams: How to watch Saudi Pro League around the world and online via Shahid
Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr live updates, highlights from Saudi Pro League clash
30 mins: Can Ronaldo boost his Golden Boot chances tonight?
Ronaldo faces one of his direct opponents for the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League Golden Boot in this clash, as he comes up against Al Ittihad star Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Hamdallah is currently on 12 goals, one behind league leader Talisca, and level with Al Shabab striker Carlos.
Talisca is once again omitted from the Al Nassr squad and Hamdallah and Ronaldo will view this as a perfect chance.
1 hr from kickoff: TEAM NEWS IS IN!!!!
Former Villarreal defender Alvaro Gonzalaez comes in to bolster the Al Nassr defence, with Mohammed Maran rewarded for his goal off the bench with a start, alongside Ronaldo.
🗒 || Starting lineup,@AlNassrFC vs #Ittihad pic.twitter.com/HYCmEC42qT
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 9, 2023
Just one change from Santo for this tie as Abdulaziz Al-Bishi starts in place of Haroune Camara.
Our Lineup today against Alnassr
Goodluck ITTI 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/p2anP6ta1d— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) March 9, 2023
1 hr 30 mins from kickoff: Despite the huge attention around Ronaldo and Al Nassr, the prospect of trip to Al Ittihad will be major test for the league leaders tonight.
The hosts are the only team to beat Al Nassr since Ronaldo’s January arrival, via a 3-1 win in the 2022/23 Saudi Super Cup semifinals, and they are potentially on course to meet in the King Cup final next month.
2 hrs from kickoff: Al Nassr scored THREE goals in added time against Al Batin – Could we be in for another dramatic night in the Saudi Pro League?
So much passion 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iK7pH97Y8h
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 3, 2023
Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr confirmed lineups
Former Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo has made a strong start since his arrival in Saudi Arabia with the home side boasting some Premier League experience in their ranks.
Former West Brom star, and club captain Ahmed Hegazy is a key player in defence, with Leeds United loanee Helder Costa offering creativity in attack.
Al Ittihad lineup (4-2-3-1): Grohe (GK) — Alolayan, Sharahili, Hegazy, Bamsaud— Hamed, Henrique — Romarinho, Coronado, Al-Bishi — Hamdallah
Nawaf Alaqidi continues in goal for Al Nassr, with Colombian international David Ospina not back to full fitness, following an elbow injury.
Nicolas Martinez is out injured for the season, with Rudi Garcia recalling Gonzalez to the visitors defence, with Maran picked to partner Ronaldo in attack.
Al Nassr lineup (3-5-2): Alaqidi (GK) — Al-Amri Madu, Gonzalez — Al-Ghanam, Gustavo, Al-Sulaiheem, Ghareeb, Konan — Ronaldo, Maran
Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr live stream, TV channel
SSC (Saudi Sports Company) has been live streaming Al Nassr matches in English via its Twitter channel.
Local broadcasters in selected countries also have the rights to televise or stream the Saudi Pro League, and fans in other countries can subscribe to streaming platform Shahid for complete coverage of the Roshn Saudi Pro League.
According to LiveSoccerTV, selected European countries will have local broadcasters (including DAZN) carrying the match, while DirecTV Sports will bring it to Spanish-speaking South American countries.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary in Saudi Arabia
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | — | 10 Play |
| Canada | — | Shahid |
| Hong Kong | — | Shahid, myTV Super |
| India | Sony TEN 2 | Shahid, JioTV, SONY LIV |
| Malaysia | Astro Supersport 5 | Shahid, Astro Go, sooka |
| New Zealand | — | Shahid |
| Singapore | — | Shahid |
| UK | — | Shahid |
| USA | — | Shahid |