On Tuesday, Al Nassr will encounter a significant challenge in the 2025–26 season as they face Al Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the King Cup of Champions. This highly anticipated matchup will feature two of football’s global icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, drawing notable attention from fans and commentators alike.
Al Nassr have begun their season strongly, showing resilience after a disappointing defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al Ahli. Since then, they have secured a series of victories in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two, positioning themselves at the top of the standings in these competitions. However, the impending clash against Al Ittihad is expected to test their mettle, as both teams look to advance in a knockout format, where a single misstep could mean elimination.
Al Ittihad, a formidable opponent, reached this stage after a solid victory over Al Wehda, and their recent history indicates a rivalry that could swing either way. Earlier in the season, Al Nassr triumphed over Al Ittihad with a convincing 2–0 win in the Saudi Pro League, a match that notably led to the dismissal of then-Al Ittihad coach Laurent Blanc.
Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has been strategic in managing player workload, particularly for key athletes like Ronaldo, who has featured prominently in domestic matches but sat out the AFC Champions League to preserve energy for crucial contests. This tactical choice will change for the knockout match, as Jesus plans to deploy his strongest available lineup in response to the high stakes.
Al Nassr’s confirmed starters for the match are Bento; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya; Abdul Al-Khaibari, Angelo Gabriel; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; and Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the other hand, Al Ittihad are also in pursuit of multiple accolades this season, including a defense of their domestic title and a push for success in the AFC Champions League Elite, which could qualify them for prestigious tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Coach Sergio Conceicao understands the critical nature of this competition and will field his best team as they aim to overcome Al Nassr.
Al Ittihad’s lineup features Predrag Rajkovic; Ahmed Al-Julaydan, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Mario Mitaj; Roger Fernandes, Houssem Aouar, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho; Moussa Diaby, and Karim Benzema.
The match promises to be a thrilling showdown, serving as a benchmark for both teams’ aspirations this season. Football enthusiasts will eagerly watch as the stage is set for this clash of titans.