The rivalry between two global football icons takes center stage in Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad face off at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh in one of the most anticipated matches of the Saudi Pro League season. Cristiano Ronaldo, with 23 goals in 27 matches, leads Al Nassr, while Karim Benzema, with 18 goals in 26 games, spearheads Al Ittihad. The clash promises to be a spectacle, pitting two former Real Madrid teammates against each other in a battle that could shape the title race.
Scheduled for 2:00 PM ET, the game will be broadcast live on FOX Deportes and Fox Sports 2, with free streaming available via FuboTV for new subscribers. The match pits league leaders Al Ittihad, with 68 points and a 21-5-3 record, against Al Nassr, who have 60 points with an 18-6-5 record. The tight race at the top adds intensity to the classic.
This showdown is not just about points but also about the legacy of two of football’s greatest stars. Here are some key highlights of the matchup:
- Ronaldo vs Benzema: The duo that dominated at Real Madrid now competes in Saudi Arabia.
- Title chase: A win for Al Ittihad could solidify their lead, while Al Nassr aims to close the gap.
- Accessible broadcast: FuboTV offers free streaming for new users, broadening the game’s reach.
The excitement among fans is electric, with Al-Awwal Park set to host a passionate crowd.
Historical rivalry
The Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad clash is a cornerstone of the Saudi Pro League. Recent encounters have been marked by tight contests and unforgettable moments. In December 2024, Al Ittihad secured a 2-1 victory in Jeddah, with goals from Steven Bergwijn and Fabinho, while Sadio Mané scored for Al Nassr. The win bolstered Al Ittihad’s push for the top spot.
In the previous season, May 2024, Al Nassr triumphed with a 4-2 home win, powered by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. The recent head-to-head record shows five matches with at least three goals, highlighting the offensive firepower of both sides. The May 2025 game sees Al Ittihad on a three-game winning streak in the league, while Al Nassr has won four of their last five matches, setting the stage for a tactical and physical battle.
Star-studded lineups
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Al Nassr’s focal point. At 40, the Portuguese star boasts 23 goals and 5 assists this season. He is supported by Sadio Mané, with 7 goals, and Marcelo Brozovic, a linchpin in midfield. The defensive line, featuring Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan, has been reliable but faces a stern test against Al Ittihad’s attack.
Karim Benzema is Al Ittihad’s driving force. The 37-year-old Frenchman combines refined technique with clinical finishing, contributing 18 goals and 8 assists. He is backed by N’Golo Kanté, who provides midfield stability, and Moussa Diaby, who adds pace on the wings. The defense, anchored by Danilo Pereira, has been a cornerstone, conceding only 20 goals in 29 matches.
The coaches play pivotal roles. Stefano Pioli has instilled an attacking, disciplined style at Al Ittihad, while Luis Castro’s versatile tactics at Al Nassr aim to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
Broadcast details
The game is widely accessible to fans. In the United States, FOX Deportes and Fox Sports 2 will air the match live at 2:00 PM ET. For online viewers, FuboTV offers free streaming for new subscribers, providing access to channels like ESPN, NBC, and Fox, as well as various sports events.
The Fox Sports App and the official Fox Sports website also stream the game on mobile devices and computers. For international fans, a VPN may be required to bypass geo-restrictions. Here are some viewing options:
- FOX Deportes: Spanish-language broadcast, ideal for Latino audiences.
- Fox Sports 2: English coverage with in-depth analysis.
- FuboTV: Free streaming for new users, covering multiple channels.
- Fox Sports App: Available on iOS and Android for live streaming.
- VPN for global access: Ensures fans worldwide can watch the game.
Team preparations
Al Nassr heads into the match with a nearly full squad. Nawaf Boushal returns from suspension at right-back, strengthening the defense. Despite Sami Al-Najei’s injury, Ângelo Gabriel and Otávio have shone in attack. The likely lineup features Bento in goal, a backline of Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, and Boushal, and an attack led by Ronaldo, Mané, and Ângelo.
Al Ittihad faces concerns over Steven Bergwijn and Houssem Aouar’s fitness but expects both to be available. The probable lineup includes Al-Mahasneh in goal, a defense of Al-Sagour, Al-Mousa, Pereira, and Kadesh, and an attack with Diaby, Aouar, Hernandez, and Benzema. Both teams trained rigorously, focusing on set pieces and quick transitions, with Al-Awwal Park expected to be packed with 25,000 fans.
Tactical breakdown
The match promises a strategic chess match. Al Nassr is likely to dominate possession, using the flanks to leverage Sadio Mané and Ângelo Gabriel’s speed. Cristiano Ronaldo, as the focal point, will look for gaps in the box. Neutralizing N’Golo Kanté’s transitions will be key to disrupting Al Ittihad’s rhythm.
Al Ittihad may adopt a counterattacking approach, relying on Moussa Diaby’s pace and Karim Benzema’s movement. Fabinho’s experience in midfield will aim to stifle Marcelo Brozovic’s influence. The midfield battle, featuring Kanté, Fabinho, Brozovic, and Al-Hassan, could decide the outcome. Both coaches have tailored their strategies based on past encounters, with Pioli emphasizing defensive compactness and Castro focusing on fluid attacking moves.
Fan anticipation
The Al Nassr-Al Ittihad rivalry captivates millions in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Social media is abuzz with fans sharing lineups, predictions, and support for their stars. A post on X highlighted Al Nassr’s lineup, featuring Ronaldo, Mané, and Otávio, generating thousands of interactions. Another user emphasized Benzema’s potential to be a game-changer if he starts.
Al Nassr fans hope the home advantage will tip the scales, while Al Ittihad supporters trust in their team’s table-topping form. Al-Awwal Park will be a cauldron of chants and flags, with fans creating a vibrant spectacle. Here are some fan sentiments:
- Clash excitement: Supporters are thrilled to see Ronaldo and Benzema compete.
- Al Ittihad confidence: Fans cite the team’s lead as a source of optimism.
- Al Nassr support: Home fans believe in Ronaldo and Mané’s firepower.
- Friendly rivalry: Respect between fanbases adds to the match’s allure.
Key stats
The season’s numbers underscore both teams’ quality. Al Ittihad has scored 65 goals in 29 matches, averaging 2.24 goals per game, while Al Nassr has netted 58 goals, averaging 2 goals per match. Defensively, Al Ittihad conceded 20 goals, compared to Al Nassr’s 24, reflecting balance across the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the league with 23 goals, followed by Benzema with 18. Sadio Mané and Moussa Diaby rank among top scorers with 7 and 6 goals, respectively. Benzema tops assists with 8, followed by Otávio with 6. Possession stats show Al Nassr at 55% and Al Ittihad at 52%, suggesting a midfield tussle, with Brozovic and Kanté boasting pass accuracies above 85%.
Venue spotlight
Al-Awwal Park, also known as King Saud University Stadium, is a premier venue in Saudi Arabia. With a 25,000-seat capacity, the recently renovated stadium offers modern amenities. The atmosphere during Al Nassr games is renowned for its intensity, with fans creating mosaics and relentless chants. The pitch is in pristine condition, ideal for fast, technical football, and high-definition screens enhance the spectator experience.
Officiating and rules
An experienced Saudi referee will lead the officiating team, supported by VAR for accurate decisions. VAR has been decisive in recent Al Nassr-Al Ittihad games, reviewing penalties and goals. The Saudi Pro League allows up to five substitutions per team, giving coaches tactical flexibility. Standard FIFA rules apply for cards, with suspensions for accumulated yellows or red cards.
Stakes in the season
The match carries significant weight in the Saudi Pro League’s final stretch. Al Ittihad aims to cement their lead and edge closer to the title, while Al Nassr needs a win to stay in the race. The result will also impact team morale for competitions like the AFC Champions League and Saudi King’s Cup. Al Nassr’s draw against Al Hilal in November 2024 showed their potential, while Al Ittihad’s consistent form underlines their ambition.
Match trivia
The Al Nassr-Al Ittihad rivalry is steeped in history. Since their founding in the 1950s and 1920s, respectively, the clubs have built a fierce competition. The arrival of global stars like Ronaldo and Benzema has elevated the fixture’s profile. Here are some trivia points:
- Historic finals: Al Ittihad beat Al Nassr in the 2009 Saudi Pro League final.
- Big wins: Al Nassr’s 4-0 thrashing of Al Ittihad in 2019 stands out.
- Star power: Kanté, Mané, and others have been decisive in past clashes.
- Global reach: Fans in Brazil, Portugal, and France follow the game closely.
- Full houses: Al-Awwal Park has sold out for every classic since 2023.
Current form
Al Ittihad is riding a wave of confidence, with recent wins including a 3-2 victory over Al-Ettifaq, powered by Benzema and Kanté. Stefano Pioli’s side has balanced attack and defense. Al Nassr, despite occasional stumbles, remains potent, as shown in their 3-1 win over Al Okhdood in January 2025, with Ronaldo scoring twice. Luis Castro’s experience in big games could be pivotal.
Both teams know the match’s outcome could shape their season. The pressure is immense, but the players are seasoned in high-stakes moments.
