Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad: Ronaldo Absent for High-Stakes Saudi Pro League Clash
RIYADH, 06 February 2026 – Al-Nassr host Al-Ittihad today at Al-Awwal Park for a pivotal Matchday 21 encounter in the Saudi Pro League. However, the build-up to this “Saudi El Clasico” has been overshadowed by the confirmed absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains on strike following a dispute with the club’s hierarchy.
Ronaldo Strike Continues Amid Transfer Friction
The Portuguese forward will miss his second consecutive match for Al-Nassr after being omitted from the matchday squad to face Al-Ittihad. Reports indicate that Ronaldo is dissatisfied with the club’s recruitment strategy during the January transfer window, believing the squad was not sufficiently strengthened for the title run-in. The Saudi Pro League has issued a statement regarding the situation, but the 41-year-old remains firm in his stance, with rumours circulating regarding a potential exit before his contract expires in 2027.
In addition to the drama in Riyadh, Al-Ittihad face their own internal challenges. Karim Benzema is reportedly seeking a departure from the Jeddah-based club, with Al-Hilal mentioned as a potential destination. Despite these distractions, the match remains a critical fixture for the league standings, where Al-Nassr currently sit in 2nd place, chasing the top spot, while Al-Ittihad occupy 6th position.
Head-to-Head Record and Statistics
The rivalry between these two giants of Saudi football is historically close. While various databases offer slightly different historical totals, the recent competitive balance remains tight. Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, though Al-Ittihad previously eliminated them from the King’s Cup.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Current League Position | Al-Nassr (2nd) vs Al-Ittihad (6th) |
| Venue | Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh |
| Average Goals Per Match (H2H) | 3.16 |
| Last Meeting Result | Al-Nassr 2-0 Al-Ittihad |
| Kick-off Time | 13:30 (Local Time) |
Tactical Outlook
Under the direction of Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr have adopted a well-organised tactical framework, balancing an explosive offensive line with a disciplined defence. Despite the loss of Ronaldo’s goal-scoring threat, the Riyadh side remains the favourite due to their strong home form and recent league momentum, having secured wins against Damac and Al Taawoun in their recent outings.
Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions, enter the match in mixed form. Their away record has been a bright spot this season with four victories on the road, but they will need to overcome the psychological weight of their recent defeat to Al-Nassr to remain in contention for the European qualification spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing today?
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently on strike due to a dispute with Al-Nassr’s management. He reportedly feels the club failed to adequately strengthen the squad during the January 2026 transfer window.
Where can I watch Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad in France?
The match is available for broadcast on DAZN, which holds the rights for the Saudi Pro League for the 2025-2026 season.
What was the score in the last match between these two teams?
Al-Nassr won the previous league encounter with a 2-0 victory, although Al-Ittihad won their earlier meeting in the King’s Cup this season.