Cristiano Ronaldo set to miss Saudi Super Cup final against Al Hilal - Reports

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss the Saudi Super Cup final against rivals Al-Hilal due to fatigue. The 39-year-old icon is still looking for a first major trophy in Al-Nassr colors, having joined the club back in January 2023.

For the first time since the end of the 2023-24 season, Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro could count on Ronaldo in the competition's semi-final against Al-Taawoun. The captain contributed with a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win, despite having missed the whole of the pre-season due to his participation in Euro 2024.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now in danger of being unavailable for the final against Al-Hilal on Saturday due to fatigue, according to a report by Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh (via TCR on X). The former Real Madrid man had zero minutes in the tank before starting against Al-Taawoun, and he appears to be worn out from his 81 minutes in the game.

Al-Hilal are the "Alpha" side in Saudi football and have not lost to any Saudi club since 2023. The last team out of Saudi to defeat them was Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Arab Club Champions Cup final in August 2023, with the Portuguese great netting a brace. Jorge Jesus' side went the 2023-24 season undefeated, winning the league and the King's Cup at the expense of Al-Nassr.

Al-Nassr will be without midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who received a red card in the game against Al-Taawoun. Similarly, Al-Hilal continue to be without Neymar, who is yet to return to action following his long-term knee injury.

To stand a chance of winning the game and the trophy, Al-Nassr will hope that Cristiano Ronaldo can feature in the final. The veteran superstar will be eager to appear in the game if his fitness permits him to.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr to face familiar foes in race for continental glory

Al-Nassr have learned of their opponents in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite following the draw for the revamped tournament. The Knights of Najd were eliminated from the tournament in the quarterfinal stage by Emirati club Al-Ain following a penalty shootout.

Al-Nassr are part of a 12-team West-Draw Grid which includes Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli as the Saudi Pro League sides. They will play eight matches in their group against Al-Ain, Al-Sadd, Persepolis, Al-Shorta, Al-Rayyan, Al-Wasl, Esteghlal, and Al-Gharafa.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to lead Al-Nassr to glory in the AFC Champions League this season, as the club has never won the tournament. The quality of their squad makes them one of the favorites to win the tournament.