Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad: Saudi Pro League match preview, H2H, prediction
Al Ittihad forward, Karim Benzema (left) and Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo (right). Photo Credit- Author’s collage
The Saudi Pro League heats up as third-placed Al Nassr host reigning champions Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in a highly anticipated matchday 1 clash of the 2025/26 season. This fixture, pitting Cristiano Ronaldo against Karim Benzema, is a blockbuster encounter with significant implications for the early title race. This piece is set to preview both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, predicted lineups, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Al Nassr team performances
Al Nassr, under new manager Jorge Jesus, have revamped their squad with high-profile signings like Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, aiming to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title after finishing third in 2024/25 with 60 points. Their pre-season was a mixed bag, showcasing attacking prowess with a 4-0 win over Rio Ave (where Ronaldo scored a hat-trick) and a 5-2 victory against SK St. Johann, but they suffered a 3-2 loss to Almeria, raising concerns about defensive stability.
In the 2024/25 season, Al Nassr were unbeaten in their last seven league matches, though they drew four of their nine games, trailing leaders Al Ittihad by eight points after 29 matches. Their recent loss to Almeria in a friendly exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defending transitions, despite Ronaldo’s 23 goals and nine assists in the league last season. Al Nassr’s home form remains strong, with consecutive victories against Al Kholood (3-1) and Al Riyadh (2-1), and they aim for a third straight home win.
Al Nassr tactical analysis
Al Nassr are expected to deploy a 4-2-1-3 formation, emphasizing attacking overloads and exploiting the flanks. Jorge Jesus favors an aggressive, high-pressing style, with Ronaldo as the focal point, supported by Joao Felix’s creativity and the pace of Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane. The right flank, driven by Sultan Al-Ghannam’s overlaps, is a key attacking outlet. However, their defense, even with new signing Inigo Martinez, has shown lapses in pre-season, particularly in rest-defense scenarios. Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Al-Hassan will anchor the midfield, tasked with breaking up play and feeding the attacking trio.
Al Nassr’s reliance on Ronaldo for goals (23 in the 2024/25 season, including nine match-openers and nine match-clinchers) could be a double-edged sword if Al Ittihad’s defense neutralizes him. Their strategy will likely focus on overwhelming Al Ittihad’s injury-hit backline with quick transitions and set-piece opportunities.
Al Nassr team news and injuries
Sami Al-Najai is the only confirmed absentee, sidelined with a long-term ACL injury. Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan were injury concerns earlier in the season but are expected to be available, with Simakan likely to return after missing the Almeria friendly. Salem Al-Najdi and are suspended due to accumulating four yellow cards in the previous season, though their bans may not carry over to the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo, rested for the AFC Champions League loss to Al Sadd, is set to return. New signings Inigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman are expected to start, bolstering the squad’s quality.
Al Nassr predicted Lineups (4-2-1-3): Bento (GK), Sultan Al-Ghannam, Inigo Martinez, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Nawaf Boushal (DF), Marcelo Brozovic, Ali Al-Hassan; Joao Felix (MF), Kingsley Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane (FW).
Al Ittihad team form
Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, clinched the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League title with 68 points from 29 matches (21 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses) and also won the King’s Cup, securing a domestic double. Their pre-season was less convincing, with losses to Fenerbahce (0-4), Vitoria Guimaraes (1-3), and Fulham (2-4), highlighting defensive issues. However, their league form last season was formidable, with 11 wins in their last 12 matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Al Ettifaq.
Despite their title-winning campaign, Al Ittihad struggled away from home late in the season, failing to win in their last four away games (three draws, one loss). Karim Benzema led the line with 18 goals and nine assists, supported by N’Golo Kante’s midfield dominance and contributions from Houssem Aouar and Moussa Diaby. Al Ittihad’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, makes them a formidable opponent.
Al Ittihad tactics
Al Ittihad are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 formation, which balances defensive solidity with attacking flair. Blanc’s side excels in quick transitions, using the pace of Moussa Diaby and the playmaking of Houssem Aouar to support Benzema. N’Golo Kante and Fabinho form a robust midfield shield, allowing the attackers freedom to exploit spaces. The left flank, with Mario Mitaj’s overlaps, is a key attacking avenue.
However, Al Ittihad’s defense has been unsettled by injuries, and their pre-season losses exposed weaknesses in pressing distances and defensive structure. Without regular goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, the less experienced Mohammed Al-Mahasneh will face a stern test against Al Nassr’s potent attack. Blanc will likely prioritize compactness to limit Ronaldo’s space while relying on Benzema’s clinical finishing to capitalize on counterattacks.
Al Ittihad team news and injuries
Predrag Rajkovic (muscle injury), Luiz Felipe, Abdulelah Saeed, Ahmed Bamsaud, Ahmed Sharahili, and Moussa Diaby are confirmed absentees. Steven Bergwijn and Houssem Aouar are doubts, pending late fitness tests. Hassan Kadesh’s fitness is uncertain, potentially forcing Blanc to reshuffle his defense. There are no reported. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho are fit and expected to lead the side. Mohammed Al-Mahasneh will deputize in goal, while Abderrazak Hamdallah could feature if Diaby and Bergwijn are ruled out.
Al Ittihad predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Mohammed Al-Mahasneh (GK), Muhannad Shanqeeti, Danilo Pereira, Essam Al-Olayan, Mario Mitaj (DF), N’Golo Kante, Fabinho; Abderrazak Hamdallah, Houssem Aouar (if fit), Jota, (MF), Karim Benzema (FW).
Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad head-to-head statistics
Both teams have met 68 times in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad having 31 wins as against Al Nassr 19 wins and 18 draws. Recent Meetings: May 7, 2025 (Saudi Pro League): Al Nassr 2-3 Al Ittihad. March 10, 2025 (Saudi Pro League): Al Ittihad 2-1 Al Nassr. May 28, 2024 (Saudi Pro League): Al Nassr 4-2 Al Ittihad (Ronaldo’s brace helped Al Nassr end the season on a high). December 6, 2024 (Saudi Pro League): Al Ittihad 2-1. Al Ittihad have won the last two encounters, but Al Nassr have a strong home record against them, winning three of their last five home games. Both teams have scored in four of their last five meetings.
Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad scoreline prediction
Al Nassr’s bolstered squad and home advantage give them a slight edge, but Al Ittihad’s title-winning pedigree and depth, despite injuries, make this a close contest. Both teams have attacking quality, with Ronaldo and Benzema likely to get on the scoresheet. Al Nassr’s high-pressing style could exploit Al Ittihad’s makeshift defense, but Blanc’s compact setup may frustrate the hosts. Given the trend of both teams scoring in recent meetings and Al Nassr’s strong home form, a high-scoring draw is a likely outcome.
