The soccer world holds its breath. Not for a transfer deadline buzzer, nor a last-minute goal, but for the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al Nassr talisman, whose mere presence electrifies the stadiums across Saudi Arabia, is poised to grace the Riyadh derby once again. After a brief injury scare, CR7 is reportedly ‘ready’ to lead his side against arch-rivals Al Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup on February 8th.
After missing out on the ‘Last Dance’ against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami because of a calf injury, Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to training sessions has delighted Al Nassr fans. Reports suggest that the Portuguese icon is not only fit but ready to spearhead Al Alami’s attack against a Neymar-less Al Hilal. Most of the Al Nassr players have also returned from international duties and participated in the training session with the squad.
أكمل الاسطورة الحصة التدريبية الجماعية اليوم
مع زملائه.
الاسطورة جاهز#كريستانو_رونالدو— عبدالعزيز العصيمي (@a_altamimi11) February 5, 2024
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The Riyadh derby clash is surely going to be a spectacle and will be contested very tightly for the Riyadh Season Cup title. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace when Al Nassr faced Al Hilal in the Arab Champions Cup final earlier this season. Al Nassr won the clash by a 2-1 scoreline. However, Jorge Jesus’ side proved they weren’t easy prey. They clinched a 3-0 win over Luis Castro’s men, showcasing a dominant display in their last Saudi Pro League meeting.
WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule
Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to mark his return with a bang, avenging their last league defeat. The clash will surely be a battle for local bragging rights, fueled by passionate supporters and the return of CR7.
A season of brilliance for Cristiano Ronaldo
Beyond the hype surrounding his return from injury, Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance this season has been nothing short of exemplary. He has been instrumental in Al Nassr’s campaign so far. CR7 has scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 25 matches so far, which includes 20 league goals, making him the top scorer in the league. The Portuguese star has been a force to reckon with, both domestically and internationally, this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to action couldn’t come at a more critical point, as Al Nassr gears up for the business end of the season. So, fasten your seatbelts, as the Riyadh derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With Ronaldo back in the mix, the stakes have been raised even further. Will he lead his club to victory over their arch-rivals? Or will Al Hilal repeat their dominant display? It’ll be interesting to see the outcome of these questions on February 8th.
READ MORE: Real Madrid Invite Cristiano Ronaldo to Santiago Bernabeu Inauguration Through Al Nassr Friendly
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