Will Cristiano Ronaldo play tonight for Al-Nassr vs Al-Shabab in SPL 2025-26?
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Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. suffered a big setback in the previous game.
When his Al-Nassr team takes on hosts Al-Shabab at SHG Arena tonight, Cristiano Ronaldo could move closer to winning his first Saudi Pro League championship.
With just three matchweeks left, the home team is in 13th position with just 32 points, while the first-place visitors, with 79 points, are two points ahead of second-place Al Hilal.
Al-Nassr finished second in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024, and third in 2024–2025 after Ronaldo joined from Manchester United in January 2023.
The visitors can’t win the title today. But because they will host Al Hilal on May 12 in what will probably be a pivotal day in the quest for the title, they must hold onto their lead.
In January, Al-Nassr defeated Al-Shabab 3-2 in a close encounter, marking their seventh victory over their rivals in 10 encounters.
With Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Al Qadsiah, manager Jorge Jesus oversaw the team’s first defeat in a top-flight game of the season.
However, they cannot slip up in any of their next fixtures. Losing points could put a major dent in hopes of winning the title, given they have only three league matches left to play this season.
Also read: Preview: Al Shabab vs Al Nassr prediction, odds, where to watch, time | Saudi Pro League 2025-26
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play tonight?
Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly start for Al Nassr tonight. But in order to have a big impact, he will need assistance from players like Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane, although Mane is a little doubtful.
The legendary Portuguese player is coming off a 3-1 loss to Al Qadsiah, ending his run of 20 straight victories.
Marcelo Brozovic can be deployed into the starting lineup in the middle of the field, where he will probably be positioned next to Abdullah Al-Khaibari.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play tonight?
Yes.
Where will the game take place?
King Fahd Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What time will the game start?
11:30 pm IST, 7 May, Thursday.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.