Saudi Clasico and Al Nassr’s tough trip to Al Tai provide ample excitement in Roshn Saudi League’s gripping title race
In a Roshn Saudi League season that has been full of amazing afternoons and exciting evenings, fans are looking forward to a titanic Tuesday.
It should be something special. At the end of it, Al Ittihad could have one hand on the trophy or it really could be up for grabs with three games to go.
Any meeting between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad is a big one, but the scene is set for a blockbuster encounter in Riyadh.
The visitors arrive in the capital in a great position. With four games left, the Tigers are five-points clear at the top and on course for their first championship since 2008/09.
At the same time, Al Nassr are in second and have a tricky trip to Al Tai who are still recovering from throwing away a 3-0 lead against bottom team Al Batin and lose 4-3. The task for Al Nassr is simple: they have to win.
Recent form is mixed. A goalless draw at Al-Fayha was followed by a 2-0 loss to local rivals Al Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored early against Al Raed to spark a 4-0 win, but in the following fixture, points were dropped once more with a 1-1 draw at relegation-battling Al Khaleej.
It may have shown Ronaldo that the league is competitive, but it has been a frustrating time for the nine-time champions and they know that if there is to be a chance of number ten then there can be no more slip-ups.Β
For a change, they will be hoping that Al Hilal can win. The defending champions are out of the race and the big question is how they will be feeling.
Not only is their beloved title slipping away but they lost the AFC Champions League final on May 6 to Urawa Red Diamonds.
After the four-time continental title-holders returned home, they took on Al Wehda in the Kingβs Cup final in Jeddah on Friday. They ended up lifting the trophy, but only after an epic penalty shootout after two hours of football.
Al Hilal do have a habit of rising to the big occasion and should welcome star player Salem Al Dawsari back. The game against Al Ittihad is a huge occasion and Al Hilal will relish the chance to have a major say in the title race.
All remember the final stages of last season when Al Ittihad let a double-digit lead slip as they were overhauled by a relentless Al Hilal.
There are few signs of that happening at the moment as the Jeddah giants have won 12 out of their last 15 games under Nuno Santo, but then you never know.
The Portuguese boss will remember losing to Al Hilal in the semi-final of the Kingβs Cup in April. Not only that, but Al Hilal won the reverse fixture in January.
In all, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur coach has only lost three games with Al Ittihad and Tuesdayβs opponents have counted for two of them.
Another defeat this time could be very costly indeed and Al Nassr fans will be keeping a close eye on events back in Riyadh as their team takes the field at Al Tai.