Simone Inzaghi

Inter · 0 yrs

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr made to wait: How do the 2025-26 SPL standings look after Al Hilal’s win over Neom?

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

Al Hilal defeated Neom and extended the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title race until Tuesday, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr could still clinch the championship. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr had a historic opportunity this Saturday to win two titles in a single day. In addition to playing the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka, they also had the chance to secure the Saudi Pro League crown — something that ultimately did not happen because of Al Hilal’s victory over Neom. Al Nassr’s international run forced them to play their Matchday 33 fixture early, a couple of weeks ago against Al Shabab. That victory gave them a five-point lead over their closest challengers, Al Hilal. As a result, Karim Benzema’s team entered Saturday needing a win to take the title race into the final round of the season. And they delivered. Simone Inzaghi’s side earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Ruben Neves from the penalty spot and Sultan Mandash. With the win, Al Hilal cut the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings to two points, keeping their title hopes alive heading into Tuesday. Al Nassr remain atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 83 points, meaning they still control their own destiny in the title race. However, any slip-up next week could allow Al Hilal to snatch the trophy away from them. Saudi Pro League standings (Google) What’s next for Al Nassr and Al Hilal? The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League will conclude next Thursday with Matchday 34, the final round of the season. Final standings will determine relegation, qualification for continental competitions, and, of course, the league title. League leaders Al Nassr will face Damac in a match with major implications at both ends of the table. While Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be chasing the win needed to secure the trophy, their opponents will be fighting to avoid relegation. Right now, they sit just two points above the drop zone, currently occupied by Al Riyadh. Al Hilal, meanwhile, appear to face a tougher challenge on paper. Instead of meeting a team near the bottom of the standings, they will take on a side that has enjoyed a more stable season. Al Fayha currently sit 11th in the table, although having nothing left to play for in the final matchday could affect their intensity. Possible scenarios for the Saudi Pro League title race All Matchday 34 games in the Saudi Pro League will kick off simultaneously on Tuesday to prevent teams from gaining an advantage by knowing other results beforehand and adjusting their strategy accordingly. For Al Hilal, the mission is clear. Sitting two points behind leaders Al Nassr, their only chance of overtaking them is by defeating Al Fayha. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win their own match, they will have no chance of lifting the trophy. Al Nassr, meanwhile, have a wider range of possibilities in front of them. A victory would secure the Saudi Pro League title regardless of any other result. But if they fail to win, they will need to keep a close eye on what happens elsewhere. If Al Nassr draw or lose against Damac and Al Hilal fail to win, Cristiano Ronaldo would still lift the trophy. If Al Nassr lose and Al Hilal win, Benzema would claim the league title instead. However, if Al Nassr draw and Al Hilal win, both teams would finish level on points. In that case, the tiebreaker would come down to head-to-head results during the season, where Al Hilal hold the advantage after winning one meeting and drawing the other.

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Cristiano Ronaldo watches rival Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal carefully as major Simone Inzaghi decision emerges after Jorge Jesus’ Al-Nassr’s likely exit

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

While the two Riyadh giants remain separated by just two points, growing uncertainty around both managers has suddenly added another layer of tension to the final days of the campaign. The Saudi Pro League title race has become even more dramatic as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus at Al-Nassr continue battling Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal side, led by Simone Inzaghi, with only one match remaining in the season. While the two Riyadh giants remain separated by just two points, growing uncertainty around both managers has suddenly added another layer of tension to the final days of the campaign. Al-Nassr currently leads the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal sits close behind on 81 points after 33 matches. As both clubs chase domestic glory, reports emerging from Italy and Saudi Arabia suggest major changes could soon arrive on the benches of both title contenders. The Saudi Pro League title battle will go down to the final round after Al-Hilal kept its hopes alive with a victory over NEOM. That result ensured Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr could not celebrate the championship early, leaving the pressure firmly on Jorge Jesus and his players ahead of the decisive matchday. Al-Nassr knows that a victory over Damac will secure the club’s first domestic league title since 2019, regardless of what happens elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Blue Waves must defeat Al-Fayha and hope its rival drops points if the club wants to complete a late comeback and secure a record-extending 20th league title. The tension surrounding the title race has only intensified because of the uncertainty around both managers. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr reacts Reports in recent days have suggested that Jorge Jesus is already considering his future away from Al-Nassr despite leading the club through one of its strongest campaigns in recent years. According to ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade, the veteran Portuguese coach does not intend to renew his contract beyond the current season. His long-term ambition is reportedly linked to the Portugal national team job after the 2026 World Cup. Simone Inzaghi’s future suddenly becomes uncertain At the same time, attention has also turned toward Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi. The Italian coach arrived in Saudi Arabia last summer after leaving Inter, signing a lucrative two-year deal reportedly worth around $30 million per season. However, despite impressive results on paper, reports now indicate that Simone Inzaghi is expected to leave Al-Hilal after only one season in charge. The decision is expected to become official after the club’s final league match. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, dissatisfaction over expensive summer signings and changes within the club’s ownership structure played a major role in shaping the situation. Several high-profile transfers reportedly failed to meet expectations, placing added pressure on the coaching staff despite the team remaining competitive throughout the season. Inzaghi’s overall numbers remain extremely strong. Under his leadership, Al-Hilal played 51 matches, winning 37, drawing 12, and losing only twice. Still, expectations at Al-Hilal go beyond strong statistics. The club expects dominance both domestically and internationally, especially after investing heavily in the squad during the summer transfer window. Why Al-Hilal may still move on despite strong results Although Al-Hilal remains unbeaten for most of the season and continues fighting for the title until the final day, internal expectations reportedly remain much higher. Expensive arrivals such as Darwin Nunez reportedly failed to fully convince the club hierarchy, creating frustration behind the scenes. Simone Inzaghi of Al-Hilal The report also indicates that a recent ownership change at Al-Hilal has influenced the club’s direction moving forward. The new leadership is believed to be considering a different long-term vision despite Inzaghi maintai

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Cristiano Ronaldo faces competition from Ivan Toney and Joao Felix for 2025-26 SPL Player of the Season award

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the 2025-26 SPL Player of the Season award, but is facing a fierce competition from Ivan Toney and his own teammate Joao Felix. Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the Player of the Season award in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League after another standout campaign at Al Nassr. However, the Portuguese legend will face stiff competition from Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and his own teammate Joao Felix in the race for the honor. On Sunday, the Saudi Pro League published its 2025-26 Season Awards nominees on its official website, with Ronaldo once again among those in the running for the top individual prize of the campaign. Alongside the Player of the Season, the other categories up for grabs include Saudi Player of the Season, Manager of the Season and Best Young Talent of the Season. Voting opened on Sunday, with the winners set to be revealed once the league season concludes. As with the previous edition, the voting breakdown has already been established. The head coaches and captains of all 18 SPL clubs will each account for 40 percent of the overall vote, the Kingdom’s leading sports journalists will contribute 15 percent, and fans of the league will make up the remaining 5 percent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roshn Saudi League (@spl_en) Ronaldo will have the chance to potentially clinch the SPL title when Al Nassr host Damac FC on Thursday, May 21, in what could be the day he ends the club’s long trophy drought. The following day, Friday, May 22, following the conclusion of the final matchweek, the award winners will be officially announced. Cristiano Ronaldo and the competition for SPL Player of the Season Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has consistently been one of the most impactful players in the league, and this season has been no different, with his performances at the heart of Al Nassr’s push for the title. On an individual level, the 41-year-old has posted 26 goals and three assists across 29 games, placing him among the leaders in direct goal contributions. The competition, however, is fierce. Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney currently leads the SPL scoring charts with 32 goals and six assists in 31 games, while Mexican international Julian Quiñones has registered 30 goals and four assists in 30 appearances for Al Qadsiah. Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate, rounds out the standout candidates with 20 goals and 13 assists across 32 games, a combination of goalscoring and creativity that makes him a compelling contender. One potential advantage for the Al Nassr duo is the trend established by recent award winners. Karim Benzema claimed the Player of the Season in 2024-25 and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in 2023-24, with both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal producing those winners respectively. The pattern suggests that team success carries significant weight with voters, which could tip the balance in favor of players from a title-winning side. SPL Awards: categories and nominees Player of the Season Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)Julian Quiñones (Al Qadsiah)Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)Joao Felix (Al Nassr) Best Young Talent of the Season Hammam Al Hammami (Al Shabab)Abdulaziz Al Elewa (Al Kholood)Abdulaziz Al Suwailem (Al Fateh)Sabri Dahal (Al Fayha)Sultan Harun (Al Riyadh) Manager of the Season Jorge Jesus (Al Nassr)Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli)Brendan Rodgers (Al Qadsiah)Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal)Saad Al Shehri (Al Ettifaq) Saudi Player of the Season Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal)Khalid Al Ghannam (Al Ettifaq)Musab Al Juwayr (Al Qadsiah)Abdulelah Al Amri (Al Nassr)Hattan Bahebri (Al Kholood)

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Former Inter & Lazio coach Inzaghi to leave Al-Hilal after just one season

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Simone Inzaghi is set to leave Al-Hilal after just one season in Saudi Arabia, despite having signed a two-year contract worth €26 million per season last summer.The Italian coach’s departure appe...

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How Al-Hilal’s result vs NEOM could impact Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr title chances in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

With Karim Benzema's Al-Hilal hosting NEOM at the Kingdom Arena, the outcome of that match could dramatically shape what happens on the final weekend of the campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are now just one step away from lifting the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, but the championship race still carries a final twist before the season reaches its conclusion. With Karim Benzema‘s Al-Hilal hosting NEOM at the Kingdom Arena, the outcome of that match could dramatically shape what happens on the final weekend of the campaign. The title race looked almost over after Al-Nassr’s dramatic Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal earlier in the week. However, a late equalizer kept the defending challenger alive in the race and ensured the championship battle would continue into Matchday 33. Al-Nassr currently sits at the top of the table with 83 points from 33 matches, while Al-Hilal remains second with 78 points from 32 games. Simone Inzaghi’s side still has two matches left to play, beginning with Saturday’s home encounter against NEOM before a final-day trip to Al-Fayha. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr has only one remaining league fixture, a home meeting with Damac on Matchday 34. The Blue Waves’ campaign has been extraordinary despite trailing in the title race. The club remains unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League, recording 23 wins and nine draws through 32 matches while scoring 82 goals and conceding just 27. The dramatic 1-1 draw against Ronaldo’s side extended the club’s unbeaten league streak and kept faint hopes alive. Saudi Pro League 2025/26*Latest Table Standing#SaudiProLeague pic.twitter.com/1g6cvlRk8k— roslisyed (@roslisyed1) May 14, 2026 Had Al-Nassr held on for victory in that derby, the title would already have been mathematically secured. Instead, Al-Hilal now enters Matchday 33 knowing that only a victory against NEOM can keep pressure on the leader. What happens if Al-Hilal wins? A victory is the only result that keeps the championship race alive. If Al-Hilal defeats NEOM, it would climb to 81 points, cutting Al-Nassr’s lead to just two points ahead of the final weekend. That would send the title race into Matchday 34 and place huge pressure on Ronaldo’s side before facing Damac. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. In that scenario, Al-Hilal would still need help. The club would have to beat Al-Fayha in its final game while also hoping Al-Nassr fails to win against Damac. The pressure would become enormous because one slip from its city rival could completely change the destination of the trophy at the last possible moment. What happens if the match ends in a draw? A draw would be enough to hand the title to Al-Nassr. Should Al-Hilal collect only one point, it would move to 79 points with one game remaining. Even a victory against Al-Fayha on the final day would only take the team to 82 points, still below Al-Nassr’s current tally of 83 points. That means a draw at Kingdom Arena would mathematically eliminate Al-Hilal from the title race. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr would then celebrate the championship before kicking a ball against Damac. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr reacts For Al-Hilal, such a result would be especially painful considering the club’s unbeaten season. Going through an entire league campaign without defeat and still failing to win the title would be a cruel ending. What happens if Al-Hilal loses? This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Hilal loses at home to NEOM, the club would remain on 78 points with only one match left to play. That would leave Simone Inzaghi and his players unable to catch Al-Nassr’s current total of 83 points. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr In that case, Al-Nassr would officially be crowned Saudi Pro League champions before even facing Damac on the final matchday. Ronaldo’s side would secure the trophy without needing another result. Such an outcome would complete a remarkable campaign for Al-Nassr, which has spent much

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr tie to Al Hilal, missing huge chance in Saudi Pro League title race

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Nassr and Al Hilal face each other in a title-defining clash in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, giving Cristiano Ronaldo the opportunity to win his first title with the club. With both teams fighting for the league title, the match is expected to be highly competitive. Al Nassr and Al Hilal faced each other in a match that seemed destined to decide the Saudi Pro League champion. Jorge Jesus’ team did not start the game well, as they were dominated by Simone Inzaghi’s side during the first half. Despite this, a goal from Mohamed Simakan appeared to turn the match around, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo closer to his first league title with the team. However, a mistake from Bento handed the equalizer to the opposition in the final minutes For much of the first half, Al Hilal established as the dominant side. Relying on high pressing and excellent collective play, they managed to pin Al Nassr back inside their own area. Nevertheless, Karim Benzema and Kanno failed to convert their scoring chances, missing a huge opportunity to put the match away efficiently. Then, Mohamed Simakan scored a goal that completely changed the course of the game. Although Jorge Jesus’ team were dominated during the first half, they still managed to remain competitive thanks to Sadio Mané, who led the entire attack with an outstanding performance. Nevertheless, it was Simakan’s goal that changed the game, as Al Hilal dropped deep into their own area while Al Nassr began to take control. Far from slowing down, they maintained that same intensity in the second half, but failed to extend their lead. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. Simakan’s goal for Al Nassr was overshadowed by Bento’s mistake Toward the end of the first half, Al Nassr caught Al Hilal by surprise, regaining momentum on the counterattack and earning a corner kick. After an excellent delivery from Marcelo Brozović, several players attempted to strike the ball without success. Nevertheless, a rebound fell kindly to Mohamed Simakan, who did not hesitate to unleash a powerful shot, beating Yassine Bounou and seemingly handing Cristiano Ronaldo the Saudi Pro League title. 🚨قووووووووووووووووووووول 🔥🔥#النصر_الهلال #SPL#دوري_روشن_السعودي #النصر #AlNassr pic.twitter.com/VdRV7Hhrzp— رتيبان الدوسري | RTIBAN (@Rtiban1) May 12, 2026 After a very balanced second half, the match appeared set to end in a victory for Jorge Jesus’ team. Nevertheless, in the 90+8th minute, a powerful throw-in from an Al Hilal player reached Bento Krepski. Although the Brazilian goalkeeper had delivered a strong performance throughout the match, he failed to control the ball properly, allowing it to slip through his hands and resulting in an own goal that handed the equalizer to the opposition. Bento with an unfortunate 90+8' own goal ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/IaBAaeIf6v— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 12, 2026

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Al Nassr vs Al Hilal: Confirmed lineups for 2025-26 Saudi Pro League clash

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Following their victory over Al Shabab, Al Nassr are on the verge of clinching the Saudi Pro League title, needing a win today against Al Hilal to secure it. With this in mind, both teams are fielding their strongest lineups, as the season could come down to this one game. Al Nassr and Al Hilal face each other in one of the most competitive matches of the season, as today’s game could determine the winner of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League. Although Jorge Jesus’ team remain at the top of the table, they have lost four matches this season. This is far from the case for Simone Inzaghi’s team, as they remain unbeaten throughout the campaign, complicating Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of being crowned league champion. Al Hilal have managed to become the most consistent team in the league, remaining the only unbeaten side. Under head coach Simone Inzaghi, they have maintained one of the league’s best defenses, supported by a strong midfield. In addition, Karim Benzema and Sergej Milinković-Savić lead the attack, with support from Malcom and Theo Hernández on the wings, giving them hope of securing a victory. Head coach Jorge Jesus has transformed Al Nassr’s reality, turning them into the best offensive team in the Saudi Pro League. Not only is Cristiano Ronaldo shining from a scoring standpoint, but João Félix and Sadio Mané are as well, giving the team versatility and changes of pace. Despite this, they face a clear challenge: Maintaining defensive consistency, something they have rarely achieved this season despite the strong performances of Iñigo Martínez. In case Cristiano Ronaldo’s team manage to defeat Al Hilal, they could be crowned Saudi Pro League champions, ending a seven-year drought. That’s why both teams are playing for the most important part of the season, as Karim Benzema’s side would need a victory today and to maintain their unbeaten run in the remaining matches to take the title away from Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Al Hilal Despite entering today’s match as favorites, Al Nassr will face Al Hilal with five key absences: Ângelo, Nawaf Al-Aqeedi, Raghid Alaa Najjar, Sami Al-Najei, and Mubarak Buainain. Nevertheless, head coach Jorge Jesus has recovered Kingsley Coman, allowing him to partner Sadio Mané on the wings. From a scoring standpoint, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix are expected to be key once again, just as they have been throughout the season. Considering this, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ali Alhassan, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane; Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Hilal confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr Al Hilal are looking to surprise Al Nassr by defeating them with their impressive defensive and offensive consistency. Although head coach Simone Inzaghi will be without Hamad Al Yami and Kalidou Koulibaly, he still has Karim Benzema, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Theo Hernández, and Rúben Neves available. With them in the roster, they are aiming for a victory that would once again establish them as favorites to win the Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, Al Hilal will play as follows: Yassine Bounou; Hassan Altambakti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Ruben Neves, Theo Hernández; Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Aldawsari; Malcom, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Salem Al Dawsari; Karim Benzema.

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How Al Nassr’s win, draw, or loss against Al-Hilal could affect the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title race

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for a massive showdown against Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal on Matchday 33, with the outcome expected to shape the final stretch of one of the most dramatic title races in recent league history. The Saudi Pro League season has reached the moment everyone in Riyadh, and far beyond the Middle East, has been waiting for. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for a massive showdown against Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal on Matchday 33, with the outcome expected to shape the final stretch of one of the most dramatic title races in recent league history. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the derby remains the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid teammates are once again fighting for silverware, only now on opposite sides of Saudi Arabia’s biggest soccer rivalry. Benzema’s arrival strengthened Al-Hilal significantly during the season and added another superstar dimension to the championship battle. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to lead from the front at 41 years old and recently reached another remarkable milestone. Millions are expected to watch the match live as both teams battle for supremacy in Riyadh. Heading into Matchday 33, Al-Nassr sits first with 82 points from 32 matches, while Al-Hilal follows with 77 points from 31 matches and still holds a game in hand. Jorge Jesus’ players have produced an outstanding campaign so far, winning 27 matches while scoring 86 goals and conceding only 26. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in league play this season, although eight draws have prevented the club from overtaking its rival at the summit. What happens if Al-Nassr wins? The significance of Tuesday’s derby becomes even clearer when examining the remaining fixtures. Al-Nassr will play one final league match after the derby, away against Damac, while Al-Hilal still has two more matches remaining because of its game in hand. Al-Nassr’s victory over Al-Hilal would put Jorge Jesus’ team at 85 points, eight points ahead of Al-Hilal, and guarantee the Saudi Pro League championship. Any outcome versus Damac on the last Matchday would be irrelevant in that case. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC after the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Ahli Additionally, Ronaldo would win his first league championship in six years; his most recent domestic victory occurred with Juventus in 2020. Since arriving in Riyadh, he has collected goals, records, and global headlines, but the league title has remained the one major prize still missing. What happens if the match ends in a draw? A draw would keep Al-Nassr in control of the race, although tension would remain until the final days of the season. Al-Nassr would move to 83 points, while Al-Hilal would rise to 78 with two matches still left against Neom and Al-Fayha. For Ronaldo to win the league, all he would need is a tie in Al-Nassr’s last game. However, this scenario would leave the door slightly open for Al-Hilal, but Simone Inzaghi’s side would still need to win the next two games. The pressure would then shift toward Ronaldo and his teammates to avoid any mistake against Damac in its final league fixture. Theo Hernandez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring For the visitors, even a draw would preserve hope because of the extra fixture. The Blue Waves surely understand that remaining unbeaten this deep into the campaign still gives the club a realistic chance to complete a late comeback. What happens if Al-Hilal wins? The entire title race could be flipped upside down if Al-Hilal leaves Al Awwal Park with all three points. A victory for Al-Hilal would reduce the gap to only two points, while the club would still possess a game in hand against Neom. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr reacts during the Saudi Super Cup final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Should Al-Hilal then defeat both Neom and Al-Fayha, the club could finish the season on 86 points. Even if Al-Nassr wins against Damac afterward a

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Benzema handed major boost at Al Hilal as Hernandez and Bounou ready to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Ahead of the key SPL clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Karim Benzema will be counting with Al Hilal star teammates Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou. Karim Benzema has been tasked with stopping Cristiano Ronaldo from clinching the Saudi Pro League title when the two icons clash on Tuesday. As the massive showdown draws closer, the Frenchman has received a well-timed squad boost with stars Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou officially cleared to join Al Hilal’s matchday squad. Currently trailing Al Nassr by five points, Al Hilal hold a critical advantage with a game in hand. While Ronaldo’s side has only two fixtures remaining, Benzema’s squad has three, creating a must-win scenario for the visitors to keep their title hopes alive. If Al Nassr secure the victory on home turf, they will mathematically end the race and be crowned champions. Following the high-stakes derby at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 12, Al Nassr will have only one remaining league fixture against Damac FC on May 21. Conversely, Al Hilal will have two games left, a May 16 meeting with Neom SC and a season finale against Al Fayha, meaning a win over Ronaldo’s side would put the Blue Waves in a position to control their own destiny. Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou cleared for Al Hilal In major team news, former AC Milan standout Theo Hernandez and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou have been confirmed as available for Simone Inzaghi’s squad. Both players have been foundational to Al Hilal’s campaign, contributing to a remarkable run that has seen the club suffer only one defeat across 45 matches this season. Theo Hernandez (L) and Yassine Bounou (R) of Al Hilal. Concern over Hernandez’s fitness surfaced during the King’s Cup final against Al Kholood on May 8, when the Frenchman was forced off in the 83rd minute with an apparent injury. However, per Al Arriyadiyah, subsequent medical examinations revealed the issue was minor, clearing the defender to participate in tomorrow’s winner-take-all Derby. Koulibaly stands as the only major absence With only one month remaining before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, neither Ronaldo nor Benzema are considering rest with such a massive trophy on the line. However, Al Hilal will have to navigate this clash without defensive anchor Kalidou Koulibaly, an absence that could tip the scales in Al Nassr’s favor. Koulibaly has reportedly failed to reach full fitness as he continues his rehabilitation for a thigh injury sustained just before the team traveled to Jeddah for the AFC Champions League Elite knockout rounds. He remains sidelined alongside Hamad Al Yami, who is recovering from knee surgery, leaving Inzaghi with a significant void to fill in the heart of his defense.

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Cristiano Ronaldo on edge as Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez’s injury status emerges ahead of Saudi Pro League title decider

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo enters the decisive Riyadh derby with enormous pressure already surrounding Al-Nassr’s title ambitions, while Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez has now become one of the most closely watched names in the buildup to the showdown. The Saudi Pro League title race has suddenly taken another dramatic turn ahead of what many are calling the biggest club match in Saudi soccer history. Cristiano Ronaldo enters the decisive Riyadh derby with enormous pressure already surrounding Al-Nassr’s title ambitions, while Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez has now become one of the most closely watched names in the buildup to the showdown. With only a handful of matches remaining, the entire championship picture could be reshaped in a single night at Al Awwal Park. The clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal carries massive weight for the league, for the stars involved, and for the growing global reputation of Saudi soccer. The stakes could hardly be higher heading into Tuesday’s meeting between the top two sides in the table. Al-Nassr currently leads the Saudi Pro League with 82 points, while Al-Hilal sits five points behind with a game in hand, turning the derby into a virtual title decider. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side regained momentum after defeating Al-Shabab 4-2, a match that saw the Portuguese superstar continue his extraordinary scoring run. The 41-year-old superstar also reached 100 Saudi Pro League goals during the victory, another landmark moment since his move away from Europe. Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal clash on May 12 The importance of the match stretches beyond the title race itself. A league triumph for Al-Nassr would finally deliver Ronaldo his first major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia and strengthen the legacy of his decision to join the league at a time when many questioned the project. Theo Hernandez’s injury scare raises concern ahead of Al-Nassr clash The buildup to the derby became even more intense after Theo Hernandez suffered an injury scare during Al-Hilal’s King’s Cup final victory over Al-Kholood this Friday. The French defender played a major role in the comeback win, scoring the decisive goal and producing one of his strongest displays since arriving from Milan. Al-Hilal eventually secured a dramatic 2-1 victory after falling behind early in the match. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized before Hernandez struck shortly before halftime, helping Simone Inzaghi secure his first trophy since taking charge of the club. Champions of the King’s Cup 🤩💙 pic.twitter.com/jZPL58UXfj— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) May 8, 2026 According to Sofascore’s post-match statistics, Hernandez completed 54 of 60 passes, registered a 90 percent passing accuracy, won five duels, and constantly threatened down the left flank. His influence once again highlighted why he has quickly become one of Al-Hilal’s key figures. However, the celebrations quickly turned tense when the defender appeared to suffer a calf problem in the second half. The Frenchman was eventually substituted, immediately raising fears that he could miss the defining match of the Saudi season. Theo Hernández's injury incident.pic.twitter.com/cYuaMZEuAB https://t.co/URPliuShZ1— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) May 8, 2026 The key update Al-Hilal fans wanted to hear The anxiety surrounding Hernandez’s condition has now eased significantly following fresh reports from Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the injury is currently considered minor, although the player will still undergo further medical examinations for reassurance. That update could prove enormous for Al-Hilal heading into Tuesday’s derby. Theo Hernandez is now expected to be available for the direct title clash against Al-Nassr, a development that could dramatically influence Simone Inzaghi’s tactical plans. Theo Hernandez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring Saudi physical therapy specialist Thamer Al-Shahrani had previously explained the situation in cautiou

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Cristiano Ronaldo under serious pressure as Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal surge shakes title race: When would Saudi Pro League champion be decided?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

As Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal push toward the finish line, the balance of power has begun to shift, raising tension across the league. The Saudi Pro League title race has taken a dramatic twist, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema once again at the center of a growing rivalry between two dominant forces. As Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal push toward the finish line, the balance of power has begun to shift, raising tension across the league. For much of the season, Ronaldo’s side appeared firmly in control. Now, however, the resurgence of its closest challenger has introduced uncertainty, turning what once looked like a comfortable march toward the title into a high-pressure sprint. Al-Hilal delivered a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over Al-Khaleej, a result that has significantly tightened the title race. After falling behind early to a strike from Joshua King, the team showed resilience to respond through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic before Sultan Mandash sealed the win late in the match. The performance was far from straightforward, as Al-Khaleej tested the visitors throughout the contest. Still, the final outcome ensured that Al-Hilal reduced the gap at the top to just two points, keeping the title dream very much alive. The win came at a perfect moment for the challenger, especially after Al-Nassr suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah. That loss not only ended a remarkable 20-game winning streak but also exposed vulnerabilities that had gone largely unnoticed during their dominant run. Suddenly, the narrative has changed. What once looked like a one-sided race has evolved into a tense duel, with both sides aware that even the smallest mistake could prove decisive. Benzema’s influence grows Although Karim Benzema only appeared late in the match against Al-Khaleej, his presence continues to loom large over the title battle. The French forward even found the net in the closing stages, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. His growing influence reflects a broader shift within Al-Hilal, where experience and depth are beginning to make the difference. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, that adds another layer of pressure as the season reaches its climax. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal looks on. When will the title be decided? Statistically, the margins between the two sides are incredibly tight. Al-Nassr sits on 82 points after 32 matches, while Al-Hilal trails closely with 77 in 31 games, as very little separates them with just two games to go. The defining moment of the season is fast approaching. A direct clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal on May 12 will ultimately determine the Saudi Pro League champion, provided both teams handle their preceding fixtures successfully. Al-Nassr vs Al-Hilal clash on May 12 In that scenario, the stakes are clear. A win for Al-Nassr would likely secure the title. At the same time, a victory for Al-Hilal would cut the gap back to just two points and, with a game in hand, give Simone Inzaghi’s side a realistic opportunity to leapfrog Al-Nassr in the next two games and take control of the title race.

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Cristiano Ronaldo watches closely as Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez suffers injury scare days before Saudi Pro League title decider: Will he play vs Al-Nassr?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for what could become the biggest match of the Saudi Pro League season, but attention has suddenly shifted toward Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal teammate Theo Hernandez after an injury scare in the King’s Cup final. The timing could hardly be more dramatic: with the Riyadh derby only days away, concern has started to grow around one of Al-Hilal’s most influential recent arrivals. Al-Hilal lifted the King’s Cup after defeating Al-Kholood 2-1 in a dramatic final. Simone Inzaghi secured his first trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable run that has seen his side lose only once in 50 matches. Nevertheless, the evening started badly for the Blue Waves after Ramiro Enrique stunned the crowd with an early opener for Al-Kholood. The response, however, showed exactly why the club remains one of the dominant forces in Saudi soccer. Nasser Al-Dawsari equalized shortly before halftime with a thunderous strike that reignited the atmosphere inside the stadium. Moments later, Theo Hernandez completed the comeback with a powerful low finish from outside the area after receiving a pass from Karim Benzema. The French defender delivered one of his best performances since joining Al-Hilal. He recorded a goal, a key pass, five duel wins, and maintained a 90 percent passing accuracy while constantly threatening down the left flank. According to Sofascore’s post-match statistics, the Frenchman completed 54 of his 60 passes and remained heavily involved throughout the final. His display helped Al-Hilal secure its 10th King’s Cup title, reinforcing the growing belief that the club can still turn the league race around. KING’S CUP TITLE NUMBER 10 FOR AL-HILAL 🏆🔵 pic.twitter.com/W3Ah4pyXIV— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) May 8, 2026 Hernandez’s injury concern suddenly changed the mood The celebrations did not last long without concern, though. During the second half, Hernandez appeared uncomfortable and was eventually forced off after suffering a calf issue. At first, there was uncertainty regarding the severity of the problem. The sight of the defender walking off without assistance offered some encouragement, but medical analysis later suggested the situation may still require close monitoring. Theo Hernández's injury incident.pic.twitter.com/cYuaMZEuAB https://t.co/URPliuShZ1— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) May 8, 2026 Saudi physical therapist specialist Thamer Al-Shahrani later explained the nature of the injury. According to his assessment on X (formerly Twitter), Hernandez suffered “a calf muscle injury caused by a minor sprain, which could lead to sudden internal tightening of the muscle.” The specialist also revealed two possible scenarios. “Best case scenario: just a strain and he could be available for the match against Al-Nassr,” he explained. However, the warning attached to the second possibility immediately raised concern inside Al-Hilal circles. “Worst case scenario: a muscle tear, even if minor, which would rule him out of the Al-Nassr match.” An injury forced Theo Hernandez off, but with him walking off unaided, it’s too early to tell how serious it is. pic.twitter.com/yvmI8lN5pK— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 8, 2026 Al-Nassr waits as the title race reaches boiling point Naturally, the developments surrounding Hernandez are being watched closely by Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Next Tuesday’s showdown between the Riyadh rivals could ultimately decide the destination of the Saudi Pro League trophy. Al-Nassr currently sits five points clear at the top of the table, although Al-Hilal still holds a game in hand. Victory for Ronaldo’s side would virtually secure the championship and end the club’s long wait for another leag

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Jorge Jesus explains why Brazil move collapsed before joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Jorge Jesus revealed the details on how, prior to turning Cristiano Ronaldo's coach at Al Nassr, his move to the Brazil national team collapsed. Jorge Jesus was once the frontrunner to lead the Brazil national team toward the 2026 World Cup long before Carlo Ancelotti entered the frame, but the deal ultimately fell through despite an initial agreement. Now, the Portuguese tactician is opening up about the domino effect that cost him the Selecao job and led him to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach at Al Nassr. Following a historic stint with Flamengo from 2019 to 2020, Jesus left an indelible mark on Brazilian soccer. With the national team desperate for a high-profile leader after failing to reclaim South American dominance, he was viewed as the ideal candidate. While still helming Al Hilal in 2024, negotiations intensified, and by December, Jesus had verbally accepted the federation’s proposal. In an interview published Wednesday by the Portuguese outlet Record, Jesus shared striking details about the pursuit: “The Vice President met with me, accompanied by a lawyer, at a hotel in Lisbon. They put me on a video call with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the President of the CBF, who offered me the highest national team coach salary in the world. They were prepared to pay 11 million euros to terminate my contract with Al Hilal.“ By March, Jesus had decided to skip the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season to prioritize taking the Brazil job in May. The official appointment was set to follow his run in the AFC Champions League Elite, a plan he had already disclosed to Al Hilal stars Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves as he prepared for his departure from the Saudi giants. Jorge Jesus coach of Al Nassr. When Dorival Junior was dismissed in late March, the CBF president pressured Jesus to join immediately: “I told him that, as we had agreed, I would travel after the AFC Champions League final, not before. But he responded sharply: ‘I don’t understand your hesitation, with all due respect. What is Al Hilal? I don’t even know it. And you’re hesitating between this club and the best national team in the world, a five-time world champion?’” Ultimately, the deal imploded due to the legal investigations targeting Ednaldo Rodrigues, which forced the CBF president to resign. By the time Samir Xaud was appointed as the new president in May, the federation shifted its focus to Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Jesus, who had already moved on from Al Hilal, without a job and empty-handed. Jorge Jesus and his record-breaking run at Al Nassr With Brazil moving on and Al Hilal having already hired Simone Inzaghi as his replacement, the 71-year-old was left in limbo despite Al Hilal president Fahad bin Nafil’s previous interest in a renewal. However, a personal phone call from Cristiano Ronaldo changed everything, leading Jesus to sign a one-year deal to take the reins at Al Nassr. The veteran coach’s impact was instantaneous, as he quickly became one of the most statistically successful managers in Al Nassr history. According to data from Transfermarkt, Jesus currently boasts a staggering 2.56 Points Per Match (PPM) average, the highest mark of any coach in the club’s history with more than five games on the sidelines. Through 45 matches at the helm, his record stands at 38 wins, one draw, and just six defeats. More importantly, Jesus has Al Nassr positioned to potentially sweep the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two, a feat that would finally end Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.

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Al Hilal star Milinkovic-Savic heats up clash with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, calls it ‘SPL final’

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Hilal star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic decided to heat up the Saudi Pro League clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr by calling it a "league final." Cristiano Ronaldo saw Al Nassr‘s winning streak come to an end at the worst possible time, with three Saudi Pro League games remaining and the title still far from secured. Al Hilal have now closed the gap at the top, and star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has turned up the heat ahead of the showdown with Ronaldo’s side, calling it the “league final.” While Al Nassr were falling 3-1 to Al Qadsiah, Al Hilal had the opportunity to chip away at the five-point deficit with a home game against Al Khaleej on Tuesday. The hosts fell behind to a Joshua King goal in the 11th minute before Milinkovic-Savic drew them level in the 34th, and Sultan Mandash completed the comeback in the 79th to claim all three points. Speaking to Thmanyah Sports after the match, Milinkovic-Savic acknowledged the difficulty of the victory while keeping his focus fixed firmly on the prize ahead: “Difficult game against this team, specially here when we play it’s difficult, but we knew from the beginning what we needed to do to win the game and get closer to Al Nassr.” Before the eagerly anticipated clash with Ronaldo’s side, Al Hilal have the chance to secure their first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season. On Friday, May 9, the team coached by Simone Inzaghi will face Al Kholood in the King’s Cup final, a fixture that was originally scheduled for April 23. «مباراة النصر ستكون نهائي الدوري.» 🔵🔥سافيتش، لاعب الهلال، مع مراسل «ثمانية» بدر رافع @Bader_raf3 🎤 #الخليج_الهلال | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/PkJVz0iMEW— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 5, 2026 With two potentially season-defining games on the horizon, Milinkovic-Savic was careful to take things one step at a time. “We go game by game. The first stop is the final (King’s) cup, and after I think against Al Nassr will be the final for the league. We don’t think about the derby; first we think for the cup final,” the Serbian midfielder said, though his words left little doubt about just how much the upcoming Derby of Champions means to him. What remains for Al Nassr in the SPL? Al Nassr currently sit atop the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 31 games, while Al Hilal have closed to within two points on 77 from the same number of matches. The head-to-head showdown between the two sides is scheduled for Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 13, though Ronaldo and his teammates have pressing business before then, including the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka on May 16. First up, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab, currently 13th in the league, on May 7. A victory over Al Hilal on the 13th could hand Ronaldo and company the SPL title on the spot, but in the event of a draw or defeat, the championship race will go down to the final matchday, when Al Nassr host Damac and Al Hilal travel to Al Fayha, both on May 21.

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Inzaghi: Inter ‘damaged’ by referees in 2024-25, ‘unforgettable’ wins over Barça and Bayern

sports.yahoo.com · last month

Former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is ‘shocked’ to see the Nerazzurri mentioned in a refereeing scandal in Serie A, as he feels the team was ‘damaged and not favoured’ last season, and insists ...

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João Cancelo’s return to Barcelona in doubt as Al-Hilal reportedly refuse another loan

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Reports suggest Al-Hilal may not loan Joao Cancelo again, which would make a negotiation with Barcelona challenging. João Cancelo joined Barcelona on loan from Al-Hilal for six months in January, but he must return to the Saudi club once the loan ends. However, Barcelona are interested in keeping him, as he has become an important option for Hansi Flick thanks to his ability to play both left back and right back. Al-Hilal are not making things easy for Barcelona. According to reports from the Saudi edition of 365Scores, the club is not willing to loan Cancelo again because his contract only has one year left. That would mean he could leave for free after another loan spell, which they want to avoid after the investment they made in him. The Saudi club would only consider letting him return to Barcelona through a permanent transfer, or they could even decide to keep him. The reported price for that deal is around 15 million euros, which could become a key factor in negotiations between the clubs. Inzaghi adds another obstacle Letting an experienced player like Cancelo go was a difficult decision to understand for a league that should attract as many top players as possible. This would be a major boost for Barcelona, as they could get a very valuable player at a relatively low price. Inzaghi may want him back (Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) A short contract length left is not the only obstacle Barcelona may have to deal with in their attempt to bring the player back. There could also be a change of intention from the club, which may want to keep him instead. This part is connected to Simone Inzaghi. According to Sport, the Al-Hilal manager wants Cancelo to stay at the club, which could make it even harder for Barcelona to bring him back. That means negotiations won’t be easy to complete. Cancelo’s desire to play for Benfica A less likely destination for Cancelo could be Benfica. His desire to return there has been the main reason behind choosing Barcelona over other interested teams like Inter, who made better offers. The Portuguese defender spoke about that feeling toward the club a few weeks ago. Cancelo said in an interview with Canal 11: “I have earned more than I expected in my career, but playing for Benfica is like playing basketball. I would do it for love. I would reduce my salary.”

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