Al-Hilal vs. Al-Nassr – Riyadh Derby Crucial for Title Race and ACL Spots

Match: Al-Hilal vs. Al-Nassr

Competition: Saudi Pro League

Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh

Date: Friday, April 4, 2025

Al-Nassr will look to keep their slim Saudi Pro League title hopes alive when they travel across Riyadh to face rivals Al-Hilal at the Kingdom Arena on Friday. Currently fourth in the standings with 51 points from 25 games, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr sit 10 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad. Their opponents, Al-Hilal, occupy second place with 57 points from the same number of games.

This Riyadh derby represents a crucial encounter. Al-Hilal aim to consolidate their second-place position and maintain pressure on the leaders, while Al-Nassr desperately need a victory to close the gap and stay relevant in the title discussion, while also battling for the vital AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots.

Al-Hilal Aiming to Solidify Second Place

Jorge Jesus’ Al-Hilal side come into this clash in excellent form, riding a three-match winning streak across all competitions without conceding a goal. This run includes a dominant 4-0 Champions League victory over Pakhtakor sandwiched between 2-0 league wins against Al Faya and, most recently, Al Taawoun. Goals from Mohamed Kanno and Marcos Leonardo secured the points against Al Taawoun, continuing Al-Hilal’s strong domestic campaign.

Currently sitting comfortably in second place, six points clear of Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal know a victory would move them nine points ahead of their rivals and significantly strengthen their grip on a Champions League Elite place. Their home form is formidable, having lost just once at the Kingdom Arena since 2023, although that defeat came recently against Al-Ahli on February 28th.

Al-Nassr Look to Bounce Back from Recent Stumbles

While Stefano Pioli’s Al-Nassr enjoyed an impressive eight-game winning streak earlier in the year, their league form has faltered recently, dropping eight points in their last five matches before their last outing. They did secure a 3-1 win over Al-Kholood on March 14th, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran all scoring, but Nawaf Boushal’s red card in that match means he is suspended for this crucial fixture.

Al-Nassr sit fourth on 51 points.⁷ With ground to make up on both Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, Friday’s away game is vital for their faint title hopes and their continental qualification chances. However, their recent away form is a concern, having won just one of their last four matches on the road across all competitions.

Team News

Al-Hilal are expected to maintain their recent impressive defensive structure, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Al Tambakti likely starting in central defense, flanked by Hamad Al Yami and Renan Lodi. Ruben Neves and Mohamed Kanno should anchor the midfield. Upfront, Marcos Leonardo is expected to lead the line, supported by Malcolm, Kaio Cesar, and Salem Al-Dawsari.

Al-Nassr will be forced into at least one change due to Nawaf Boushal’s suspension at right-back. Mohamed Simakan could shift across from centre-back, allowing Mohammed Al-Fatil to partner Ali Lajami. In attack, the formidable partnership of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran will likely be supported by wingers Angelo and Sadio Mane, with Marcelo Brozovic anchoring the midfield.

Predicted Lineups

• Al-Hilal possible starting lineup:Bono; Yami, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, Kanno; Cesar, Malcolm, Al-Dawsari; Leonardo
• Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:Bento; Simakan, Lajami, Al-Fatil, Alnajdi; Angelo, Al-Hassan, Brozovic, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo

Prediction

This promises to be a tightly contested Riyadh derby with significant implications at the top of the table. Al-Nassr possess undeniable firepower, but Al-Hilal’s recent form, defensive solidity, and strong home record give them the edge. Al-Nassr’s need for a win to stay in the title picture could make them dangerous, but Al-Hilal’s consistency might prevail.

Our result: Al-Hilal 2-1 Al-Nassr