FIFA Forces Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr to Change Venue For Away Game vs Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad

The Saudi Pro League has been forced to make major adjustments to its schedule following intervention from FIFA. Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr has been also affected by the change in schedule with the team’s clash against Karim Benzema‘s Al Ittihad, now being shifted to a different venue. This is not the first time that Al Nassr has been asked to make adjustments to their schedule, with the team postponing the timings of their game on the 22nd of December to avoid a direct clash with the Club World Cup finals.

Al Nassr is set to take on Al-Ittihad on the 26th of December with the two sides locking horns for the first time in this season. This will also be the first time Cristiano Ronaldo will come face to face against his former teammate from Real Madrid.

Saudi Pro League forced left with no choice but to move its games

In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have once again been asked to make changes to their league schedule. The side who were set to face rivals Al Ittihad at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium has been asked to change their itinerary due to an unforeseen change in venue. According to RSL’s statement, “It was decided to transfer the postponed match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nasr. From the 17th round scheduled for Tuesday, December 26, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.” However, this wasn’t the only game that was postponed.

Further, the statement read, “To move the match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Raed, scheduled for 9 pm on Saturday, within the 18th round of the Saudi Roshen League, from Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, to King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Mecca”.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his men have been on an impressive run this season. The side has 37 points in 16 games and currently stands second on the points table. Defending champions Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, have failed to replicate their form from last season and have dropped to sixth place in the standings with 28 points from 16 games.

Will Karim Benzema upset Cristiano Ronaldo and Co’s decent run of form?

Al Nassr has been on a roll this season with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge from the front. The Portuguese superstar has emerged as the top scorer in the league with 16 goals to his name. Considering the current form of the Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr will fancy their chances as they take on defending champions Al Ittihad a day after Christmas.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo Issues Closing Statement In His Legal Battle Against Juventus, As Per Reports

The game will have high stakes as this will be the first time former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will be in action against each other in the Saudi Pro League. While there was a lot of hype for Benzema following his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the striker has lived up to it with 13 goal contributions in 13 league games. However, this form hasn’t replicated itself in the form of wins. It will be interesting to see if the player can spoil Cristiano Ronaldo’s party and disrupt their title ambitions.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Scored Four Goals in a Game