Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Al-Nassr supporters ahead of SPL clash against Al-Hilal
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to the Al-Nassr fans ahead of their crunch derby clash against rivals Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The champions will pay a visit to Al-Awwal Park on Friday, November 1, in what is expected to be a huge test for Ronaldo and his teammates.
Al-Nassr have lost just twice in 14 games across all competitions this season, both in cup competitions. They crashed out of the King Cup of Champions at the hands of Al-Taawoun earlier this week, after having lost the Saudi Super Cup final to Al-Hilal in August.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have found it difficult to get going against Al-Hilal since the start of the 2023-24 season, failing to win against them. Their 4-1 defeat in August contributed to the eventual sacking of Luis Castro, but the forward wants the support of the fans to end that dismal run.
The 39-year-old posted a rallying cry on his X account, urging the home fans to lend their support to the side and help them overcome their rivals. He posted:
"You in the stands, us on the pitch. Together as one! See you at the game tomorrow."
The derby game will be the first real test for manager Stefano Pioli, who has his side in third place in the Saudi Pro League standings. With five wins and three draws from their eight games so far, they sit six points behind Jorge Jesus' side, who have won all eight games this season.
Al-Nassr were without Cristiano Ronaldo when they just about scraped a draw against Al-Kholood in their last league match. They will need to be at their best when they face their rivals on their own patch on Friday.
Cristiano Ronaldo keen to put Al-Nassr disappointment behind him against Al-Hilal
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to put the disappointment of his last appearance for the club behind him when he leads them out against Al-Hilal. The Portugal international was guilty of missing a 96th-minute penalty as his side crashed out from the King's Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Al-Taawoun.
Ronaldo has yet to win any major silverware since his arrival in Saudi, largely thanks to the devastating form of Al-Hilal. They have not tasted defeat in any domestic football match since the start of the 2023-24 season, winning every available title.
Cristiano Ronaldo knows what it means to win against Al-Hilal, having done so in the Arab Club Champions Cup in August 2023. Together with the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Anderson Talisca, and Sadio Mane, the 39-year-old will be keen to taste victory against Al-Hilal.