Ronaldo Focus As Al-Nassr Face Test

The Saudi Pro League season is about to enter a decisive phase, and there has been doubt over one of the most eagerly anticipated matches. The confrontation between Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab comes at the time when motivation, confidence, and faith are all questioned. And once again the main focus of the discussion is Cristiano Ronaldo whose presence cannot be ignored despite the mounting concerns regarding his team.

Al-Nassr started campaign in a historic way, they have started by winning 10 league games and they have shown that they are the favorite to win the title. It is a short lived dominance that has been lost. An unlucky 3-1 loss against the league leaders left their streak of four consecutive games without a win in any competition, and this begs the question of discipline, defensive formations, and game management.

It was especially a bitter defeat. Al-Nassr lost their way in the second half after gaining a narrow lead before the break and giving up two penalties and a late goal. The outcome placed them 7 points behind the lead, which was further enhanced by the fact that the team that had taken the lead was made of pure consistency.

Al-Shabab are more urgent with the fixture. After being very close to the relegation zone due to a significant part of the season, they eventually stopped the pattern in a very important win 3-2. That outcome helped them to lift themselves just out of immediate danger and have a sense of belief back in the squad. Yannick Carrasco was the star executive with two goals to remember the viewers of his quality and experience.

There is an added intrigue of team news. Al-Nassr is also missing some of their suspended players and injuries as well as international obligations keep derailing their preparations. Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to start despite the absence of five star players. Ronaldo is the number-one goalscorer in the league with 15 goals, and the most trusted attacking choice of Al-Nassr, as well as the most obvious way to get back to their confidence.