Al-Nassr fans breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday evening, after the first team's training session witnessed the participation of legendary Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, as part of the intensive preparations for the anticipated and fiery match against Al-Ittihad, which comes as part of the top matches of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League.

The leader returns after a worrying absence

Doubts had surrounded Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness in recent days, as he missed Al-Nassr's training session without the club officially disclosing any medical or technical reasons, raising concerns among Al-Nassr fans. The Portuguese star also missed the team's last league match against Al-Riyadh, making his return today a huge morale boost for his teammates and the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming derby.

Exceptional numbers for Ronaldo despite his age

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that age is just a number, as the 40-year-old continues to deliver outstanding performances this season. He has played 22 matches for Al-Nassr across various domestic and continental competitions this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 3 assists. His impressive contribution of 1917 minutes of playing time makes him a key pillar of the team's attack.

The battle for the top spot and the intense competition

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match is of paramount importance, far exceeding its significance as a mere three-point game; it comes at a crucial juncture in the league. Before this match, Al-Nassr sits in second place in the Roshan League standings with 46 points, just one point behind their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, who lead the table. This narrow margin puts Al-Nassr under immense pressure to win, either to seize the top spot or to continue their pursuit of the league leaders. In this fiercely contested title race, there is no room for error.

Union position and match date

On the other hand, Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place with 34 points, aiming to improve their position in the standings and appease their fans in this crucial encounter. Al-Nassr is scheduled to host Al-Ittihad at 8:30 PM next Friday, in a highly anticipated football match for fans both within the Kingdom and abroad, given the presence of international stars on both teams and their rich history of rivalry.

The first team of Al-Nassr Football Club witnessed the return of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo during their group training session, a move that instilled confidence in the hearts of the club's fans ahead of the crucial upcoming match against Al-Ittihad. This appearance confirms the team captain's readiness to participate in the "Clásico" between the two teams, which will take place as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, scheduled to be held at Al-Ahli Park Stadium in Riyadh.

The debate over Ronaldo's absence is over

Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in the training session put an end to the speculation that had arisen in recent days, during which the player was absent from the club. Sources attributed his absence to the Portuguese star's anger over the events of the recent winter transfer window. However, his strong return to training reflects the player's professionalism and his desire to focus on the pitch and lead his team to success, overcoming any administrative disagreements that might affect the team's performance at this crucial stage of the season.

The importance of the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad classic

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds special significance beyond being merely a three-point game; it represents a Saudi football summit that enjoys widespread local, regional, and international attention, especially given the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of the world's brightest football stars. Historically, encounters between the two teams are among the most competitive and exciting in Saudi football, with each side striving to assert its dominance and delight its massive fan base.

A morale boost after the victory over Al-Riyadh

Al-Nassr enters this match with relatively high morale after securing a victory in their last game of the previous round against Al-Riyadh with a clean sheet. Despite the difficulty of that match, securing the three points was vital to maintaining their winning streak. The presence of Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Al-Ittihad will be a major boost to the team's attack, as the coach and fans are counting on his vast experience and ability to decide crucial matches to tip the scales in Al-Nassr's favor in this pivotal encounter.

In conclusion, the sports community is eagerly awaiting the starting whistle at Al-Awwal Park Stadium to witness a new chapter of excitement in the Saudi League, amidst Al-Nassr fans' hopes that the return of "Madeira Rocket" will be the key to securing points in the Clasico.

Moroccan star Youssef En-Nesyri, the new addition to Al-Ittihad Club during the winter transfer window, arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday evening, in preparation for joining the team's group training and beginning his new professional journey in the Saudi Professional League.

A major compensation deal

Al-Ittihad's management announced earlier today the official signing of Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Turkish club Fenerbahçe. This strategic move comes as part of the club's efforts to bolster its attacking line and fill the significant void left by the departure of French star Karim Benzema, who made a shocking move to arch-rivals Al-Hilal. This puts added pressure on En-Nesyri to quickly prove his worth to Al-Ittihad fans.

En-Nesyri's numbers before reaching the Jewel

Al-Ittihad fans are placing great hopes on the vast experience of the 28-year-old player, who has honed his skills in European leagues. During his current season with Turkish club Fenerbahçe, En-Nesyri has participated in 27 matches, scoring 8 goals and providing one assist, accumulating 1929 minutes of playing time – figures that Al-Ittihad supporters hope will be multiplied.

The Clasico challenge... a fiery start

En-Nesyri will have little time to rest, as this transfer comes at a crucial and sensitive point in the season. Al-Ittihad is preparing for a high-stakes match against Al-Nassr in the highly anticipated Saudi Arabian football classic, scheduled for 8:30 PM on Friday, February 6th, as part of the Roshan League. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the coach will utilize En-Nesyri as a trump card in this crucial encounter to bolster the team's attacking options.

The two teams' positions and the points battle

The match takes on added importance given the league standings; Al-Ittihad is struggling this season and currently sits in sixth place with 34 points, a position unbecoming of the club's history and the aspirations of its fans, making a victory crucial to improving their situation. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr enters the match in second place with 46 points, fiercely chasing league leaders Al-Hilal (47 points), separated by only one point, making this a pivotal encounter in the title race.

The arrival of Youssef En-Nesyri is not just a player transfer deal, but an administrative and technical gamble to save Al-Ittihad’s season and restore the prestige of the team’s attack in light of the fierce competition that Saudi football is currently witnessing.