Today, Thursday, the first team of Al-Nasr Club completed its preparations to face their hosts Al-Ittihad in the 13th round of the Saudi Roshan League (Saudi Professional League).
Al-Nasr has dropped many points lately in the Saudi Professional Football League, distancing itself from the top spot, but they are looking to seize the opportunity to take on the league leaders, Al-Ittihad, and reduce the gap to reignite their hopes of competing for the title.
After suffering a surprising 2-1 defeat against Al-Sadd in the AFC Elite Champions League on Monday, coach Stefano Pioli’s team will visit Al-Ittihad on Friday with the aim of narrowing the eight-point gap behind the league leaders, who have won their last eight matches since their defeat to defending champions Al-Hilal.
Following a good start under former Milan manager Pioli, who replaced coach Luis Castro, Al-Nasr’s results have deteriorated, winning only twice and drawing twice in their last five league matches. They also endured their first loss in the elite of the AFC Champions League after conceding a goal in the dying moments against Al-Sadd.
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A positive result at the Al-Ittihad stadium would be a significant boost for third-placed Al-Nasr, who share 25 points with Al-Qadisiyah, especially after losing twice in their last four matches across all competitions.
Al-Nasr will rely on their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored nine goals in the competition, to find the net against Al-Ittihad, which boasts the best defensive record in the league alongside Al-Qadisiyah, having conceded only eight goals in 12 matches.
The visit to Al-Ittihad stadium will not be easy, as Laurent Blanc’s side has won all their home games, sitting at the summit with 33 points.
The team’s attack has received a boost with the return of captain Karim Benzema from injury, who had a fantastic performance, scoring one goal and providing two assists in their 4-0 victory over hosts Al-Ettifaq.
Benzema has also scored nine goals, matching Ronaldo, his former teammate at Real Madrid, and is just three goals behind Aleksandar Mitrovic of Al Hilal, who tops the scoring charts.
Al-Ittihad has a strong defensive line, having not conceded in the last five matches, with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic delivering distinguished performances.
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