Top-of-the-Table Clash Between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad

Riyadh (AFP) – The Saudi Professional League resumes play tomorrow, Friday, a few days after the national team’s coronation as Gulf Cup champions. The league leaders, Al Hilal, face a tough test against second-placed Al Ittihad, their closest pursuer, on Saturday in the climax of Matchday 8. Meanwhile, attention turns to Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr following his stint with the Portuguese national team.

Al Hilal leads by one point over Al Ittihad, two points over Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah, and three points over fifth-placed Neom.

Al Hilal has regained the services of Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić and French midfielder Theo Hernández, both of whom have recovered from injury, while defender Ali Lajami is also close to returning to action.

The “Emir” entered the international break with a victory in the first round of the AFC Champions League Elite (2-1 against Qatari side Al Gharafa), raising their total wins since the start of the season to eight across all competitions, with only one defeat.

Al Hilal faces an opponent that is the only team yet to suffer a defeat since the season began, although they have drawn twice.

Conversely, Al Ittihad will be without Hassan Al Kadheshi, who suffered a muscle injury while playing for the “Green Team” and winning the Gulf Cup in Jeddah. He will undergo surgery in Finland on Sunday.

Away from the top-of-the-table clash, the spotlight is on Ronaldo, who did not complete his campaign with the Portugal national team in the UEFA Nations League, leaving after two of four matches following a disagreement with his former Al Nassr coach, Jorge Jesus, over his playing time policy.

“Ronaldo returned in good condition; he is mentally and physically ready, and that is the most important thing for us,” he said. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager declined to comment on his player’s situation with the national team.

Al Fateh hopes to secure their first win of the tournament, having collected only three points from draws so far. Meanwhile, local media suggest that the match against Al Ahli could be the last for coach Khaled Al Atwi due to poor results.

The encounter will not be easy against the Asian champions of the past two seasons, who also hope to secure their fifth win and move closer to the top of the table.

Al Qadsiah (16 points) will have a chance to temporarily take the lead when they host Al Khaleej in the opening match of the round tomorrow, Friday. Neom (16 points) also aims to do the same when they host Al Hazem on Saturday.