Does Cristiano Ronaldo play today? Al-Nassr faces Al-Kholood in Saudi Pro League’s 25th round

Focused. Determined. Ready. ✅ pic.twitter.com/bLaMfbPWRX

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) March 13, 2025

Al-Nassr aims for recovery with Ronaldo on the field

Winless in their last four Saudi Pro League matches, Al-Nassr sees Friday’s game as a golden opportunity to turn things around. Under Stefano Pioli’s guidance, the team has gone since early February without a domestic victory, posting three draws and one loss in that stretch. However, their home form remains a strength: in 11 league games at Al Awal Park this year, they’ve secured seven wins and two draws, with an attack that has racked up 50 goals across the season.

The recent 3-1 triumph over Esteghlal on Monday in the Asian Champions League lifted spirits. That result, clinching a spot in the round of 16 with a 3-0 aggregate, showcased Al-Nassr’s ability to perform under pressure. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the opener in that match, remains the linchpin of the attack. At 40, the Portuguese icon boasts an impressive 0.78 goals-per-game average in the Saudi league and is expected to spearhead a front three alongside Sadio Mané and Jhon Duran, with Bento in goal and Marcelo Brozovic anchoring midfield.

Playing in Riyadh, fan support will be key. The Al Awal Park, holding around 25,000 spectators, has been a fortress for Al-Nassr, especially with Ronaldo drawing massive crowds. The likely lineup features Al-Boushal, Simakan, Lajami, and Al-Najdi in defense, with Al-Hassan partnering Brozovic in midfield, providing a sturdy foundation for a side desperate for three points to close the gap to the league leaders.

Al-Kholood rides momentum, dreams of an upset

Unlike their hosts, Al-Kholood arrives in Riyadh brimming with confidence after back-to-back wins in the Saudi Pro League. Their latest 2-1 victory over Al-Fateh ended a run of four straight away losses and cemented their tenth-place standing with 31 points from 24 games. Led by Noureddine Zekri, the team sits just two points behind ninth-placed Al-Riyadh and aims to widen the gap from the relegation zone with another strong showing.

The attack has been Al-Kholood’s calling card, with 33 goals scored this season—a solid tally for a mid-table side. Myziane Maolida, with 12 goals, tops their scoring charts and poses a constant threat. The probable lineup includes seasoned goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, formerly of Grêmio, a backline of Al-Hawsawi, Troost-Ekong, Jahfali, and Al-Shehri, plus Dieng and N’Doram in midfield. Up top, Al-Hammami, Collado, and Maolida are set to support striker Muleka.

Yet, their away record raises concerns. In their last four road games, Al-Kholood conceded 12 goals while scoring just four, exposing defensive weaknesses. Still, the 3-3 draw against Al-Nassr earlier this season offers hope. In that match, they surged to a 2-0 lead before conceding late, with Talisca’s stoppage-time penalty rescuing a point for Al-Nassr. The challenge now is to replicate that boldness and hold firm until the final whistle.

What to expect from the Riyadh showdown

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Kholood clash has all the makings of a thrilling encounter at Al Awal Park. Al-Nassr leans on its star-studded roster and home dominance to snap their league drought. Of their 50 goals this season, 28 have come in Riyadh, underscoring their strength on home turf. Cristiano Ronaldo, with 18 goals and seven assists in 23 games, is the standout performer and will command attention after his recent heroics in Asia.

Al-Kholood, meanwhile, trusts its attack to pull off a surprise. Myziane Maolida’s 12 goals in 24 matches highlight his form, and his pace could exploit gaps in Al-Nassr’s backline, which has let in 31 goals in the league. However, Al-Kholood’s defense, breached 44 times in 24 games, might struggle against Al-Nassr’s firepower, particularly with Mané’s speed and Ronaldo’s precision in play. The matchup between the two leading scorers adds extra spice to the occasion.

Fatigue could play a role for Al-Nassr after their trip to Iran, but their deep squad allows Pioli to adapt. Zekri, on the other hand, will likely bank on counterattacks to unsettle the hosts. The game pits Al-Nassr’s favored status against Al-Kholood’s resilience, a team that has proven it can trouble bigger opponents, as seen in their first-round draw.

Facts and figures fueling the excitement

Hours before kickoff, fans are gearing up for a spectacle at Al Awal Park. BandSports’ live coverage ensures Brazilian viewers won’t miss a moment, while the stadium is expected to draw a sizable crowd, lured by Ronaldo’s star power. Here are some key stats and tidbits to set the stage:

• Al-Nassr has scored in 71% of its Saudi Pro League games this season, averaging 2.08 goals per match.
• Al-Kholood has won just one of its last five away games but found the net in 80% of them.
• Ronaldo’s 18 goals in 23 games contrast with Maolida’s 12 in 24, placing both among the league’s top marksmen.
• Their earlier 3-3 draw featured six goals, three red cards, and a dramatic late equalizer.

The referee’s identity remains unconfirmed, but anticipation runs high for a competitive match with potentially contentious calls.

Schedule for the 25th round and beyond

The Saudi Pro League’s 25th round marks a pivotal moment in its 34-game season, with Al-Nassr vs. Al-Kholood among the highlights. Here’s a look at the round’s key fixtures and upcoming tests for both teams:

• Friday, March 14: Al-Nassr vs. Al-Kholood, 4:00 PM (Brasília time).
• Saturday, March 15: Al-Hilal vs. Al-Qadisiyah at 3:00 PM, Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Ahli at 5:00 PM.
• Al-Nassr’s next games: Al-Taawoun (away) in round 26, Al-Hilal (home) in round 27.
• Al-Kholood’s next games: Al-Riyadh (home) in round 26, Al-Shabab (away) in round 27.

Al-Hilal leads the table, followed by Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, while Al-Nassr fights to climb into the top three. Al-Kholood aims to solidify its mid-table position.

Ronaldo takes the field: answering the fans’ question

“Does Cristiano Ronaldo play today?” is the query buzzing among supporters, and the answer brings relief. With no reported injuries or suspensions, Ronaldo is confirmed to feature for Al-Nassr against Al-Kholood. At 40, he remains the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer and a cornerstone of Al-Nassr’s campaign to reclaim the title lost last season.

His impact is undeniable. With 18 goals and seven assists in 23 games, Ronaldo averages 0.78 goals per match and has scored in five straight league games earlier this year. Facing an Al-Kholood defense that has leaked 44 goals in 24 matches, he has a prime chance to pad his stats and steer Al-Nassr out of their slump. For fans, watching him at 4:00 PM on BandSports is a can’t-miss event.

Al-Kholood’s Myziane Maolida aims to steal the spotlight. The 25-year-old, with stints at Nice and Hertha Berlin, has thrived in Saudi Arabia, scoring 12 goals—over a third of his team’s total. His agility could trouble Al-Nassr’s backline, setting up a compelling duel between two prolific forwards.