Fresh off the King Cup of Champions round of 16 disappointment, Al Nassr is back to basics. The Knights of the Najd are gearing up for an emphatic derby in the Saudi Pro League as they host Al Hilal at Al Awwal Park. With all eyes on both of the biggest clubs, the question looms whether star player Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing tonight.

Jorge Jesus and Co. have created a lot of problems for CR7 and Co. over the last few encounters and this one would be no exception. Currently occupying the top spot of the domestic table with 24 points, the Blue Waves have every right to remain the favorites, considering they also enter the match with a much more positive result in the King Cup of Champions. Al Hilal thrashed Al Tai 1-4 to secure the next place in the tournament.

This surely compels Stefan Piolo to line up his best possible chess pieces on the field. Luckily, Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of them as the skipper will be playing tonight against Al Hilal. The Manchester United icon must be looking to put his best display forward on the pitch today and help his side clinch the crucial three points.

A win would be highly beneficial for Al Nassr, who currently sit in third place in the domestic table with 18 points. This match offers the Yellow and Blue Army a prime opportunity not only to disrupt Al Hilal’s perfect run but also to strengthen their push for the top spot—though second-placed Al Ittihad will also provide tough competition.

Not to mention, the last few encounters should serve as a wake-up call for Al Nassr to seek revenge. However, it appears this will be more of a solo mission for Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently achieved something unforgettable.

Cristiano Ronaldo has some unfinished business to do ahead of the Al Hilal clash!

The Portuguese superstar has been on a remarkable scoring spree for both his domestic and international sides. Unfortunately, it’s the last outing that seems to have tarnished his whole aura. To remind you, Al Nassr was knocked out of the King Cup of Champions round of 16 clash at the hands of Al Taawoun. After a goalless first half, moments around the hour mark saw Stefano Pioli and his team fall behind by a goal.

Although Ronaldo had a perfect chance to equalize in the dying minutes with a penalty, the 39-year-old sadly fired it above the crossbar. Later, “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” is how the Al Nassr skipper responded after failing to lead his side to the next round. Nevertheless, as the team returns to its SPL campaign—that too, against their formidable rivals—we should expect a bounce-back performance from Cristiano Ronaldo.