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
Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory. Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the center of Saudi Pro League drama after a decisive performance against Al-Shabab, while Ali Al-Bulayhi became the subject of intense scrutiny following a provocative goal celebration involving Al-Hilal. The match carried extra tension because of Al-Nassr’s ongoing title fight with its direct rival club. Behind the scenes, however, the aftermath of that celebration would soon take a far more serious turn for Al-Bulayhi, even as Ronaldo’s side walked away with another crucial victory. The Portuguese superstar played a key role in Al-Nassr’s 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, scoring a second-half goal that restored control during a tense period of the match. The win helped the club extend its lead over Al-Hilal at the top of the Saudi league table. Joao Felix stole headlines with a hat-trick, but Ronaldo’s contribution carried major weight in the title race. His finish came at a stage when Al-Shabab had begun to threaten a comeback, making the goal even more significant in context. The match took a dramatic turn when Ali Al-Bulayhi, playing against Al-Nassr while on loan at Al-Shabab, scored to bring the scoreline to 3-2. What followed quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the season. After finding the net, loanee Al-Bulayhi pulled out a shin guard displaying the crest of Al-Hilal and kissed it in front of the cameras. The gesture was widely interpreted as a bold reference to his parent club, which is also locked in a fierce title race with Al-Nassr. 🔥🚨COINCIDENCIA QUE #ALBULAYHI HALLA CELEBRADO CON LA ESPINILLERA DEL ALHILAL?Una corrupción en la Liga Saudí!🤯Al-Bulayhi era jugador del #Alhilal🤯Unos días antes el Ministerio de Deportes pagó las deudas pendientes que el club @AlShababSaudiFC tenía acumuladas!#CR7𓃵7 pic.twitter.com/KtxUK63OUy— ©𝑫𝑪𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𓃵🇩🇴 (@DCuesto) May 8, 2026 The celebration divided opinion immediately. Some saw it as harmless loyalty to his parent club, while others viewed it as disrespectful toward Al-Shabab, the club he was representing at the time. Al-Shabab makes strong internal decision The situation escalated quickly after the match, with reports confirming a severe reaction from within Al-Shabab. Apparently, Ali Al-Bulayhi has now been removed from the squad following the controversy surrounding his celebration, as revealed by Shabab1World on X (formerly Twitter). The club views the incident as disrespectful toward the institution. The removal effectively sidelines the defender from the upcoming three fixtures, against Neom, Al-Ittihad, and the Saudi Pro League final matchday, against Al-Najma. What initially looked like a bold act of defiance toward Ronaldo and Al-Nassr suddenly became a moment that could seriously damage the defender’s standing at his current club. The reports created even more tension because Al-Bulayhi’s goal had briefly threatened to reopen the title race. Had Al-Shabab found an equalizer, Al-Hilal would have gained a massive psychological advantage heading into the upcoming derby against Al-Nassr. Instead, the Knight of Najd survived the scare and sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Joao Felix converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick. Ali Al-Bulayhi of team AL Shabab FC What did Al-Bulayhi say? Former Saudi international Fahad Al Harifi also criticised the gesture, insisting that “professionalism and respect should always come first, regardless of loan situations or previous club affiliations.” As criticism intensified, the 36-year-old released a public apology addressing both the club and its supporters. He insisted that the celebration was spontaneous and not intended to offend anyone. “I present my apology to the historic Al-Shabab club and its loyal supporters… my expression of joy was spontaneous, without any intention of
The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself. Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another extraordinary milestone in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable chapter of his legendary career with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself. The goal carried enormous weight for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. With the Saudi Pro League season entering its decisive stage, the strike helped the club move another step closer toward lifting the title, while also adding a historic personal achievement to Ronaldo’s already unmatched résumé. At 41 years old, the Portuguese superstar continues to perform with astonishing consistency. His latest milestone arrived in just 105 league appearances, a goalscoring rate that few forwards in world soccer history have maintained across such a sustained period. Ronaldo’s landmark strike came during Al-Nassr’s tense 4-2 win over Al-Shabab. The victory over Al-Shabab carried major importance for the Saudi Pro League title race. Jorge Jesus and his players moved five points clear at the top of the table, placing additional pressure on rival Al-Hilal ahead of a potentially decisive Riyadh derby. 🚨 Historic! 😰💣: The legend Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against every Saudi Pro League club this season at the age of 40-41! 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳✅ Scored against Al-Hilal ✅ Scored against Al-Ahli ✅ Scored against Al-Qadisiyah✅ Scored against Al-Taawoun ✅ Scored against… pic.twitter.com/aCkhP5jFnd— KDC Global (@KDCGlobal_) May 7, 2026 Al-Nassr started the match aggressively and quickly established control through Joao Felix, who scored twice in the opening stages. Al-Shabab responded through Yannick Carrasco and later threatened another comeback, but Ronaldo’s second-half goal steadied the situation before Felix completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot. All Saudi clubs Ronaldo has scored against, and his favorite opponent revealed Once the celebrations had settled, attention quickly shifted toward the incredible spread of Ronaldo’s goals. According to statistical breakdowns confirmed by Sofascore, Ronaldo has now scored against every Saudi Pro League opponent during the 2025-26 campaign. The achievement made Ronaldo the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against all 17 opponents in one single season. It also marked the second time in his career he managed the feat in a top-flight league campaign after previously doing so with Real Madrid during the 2011-12 La Liga season. Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026 Among all of his favorite opponents in the Kingdom, Al-Wehda sits at the top of the list after conceding 10 goals to Ronaldo. Behind Al-Wehda comes Al-Fateh with nine goals conceded, while Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood each allowed seven goals against the Al-Nassr captain. The 41-year-old veteran also built impressive records against Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and several others during his time in Saudi Arabia. The numbers reveal how consistently he has dominated nearly every defense in the league since arriving in Riyadh in early 2023. RankClub(s)Goals1.Al-Wehda102.Al-Fateh93.Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood74.Al-Ittihad65.Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and Al-Tai56.Al-Fayha, Al-Ahli, Al-Raed, Al-Hazem, and Al-Abha47.Al-Ettifaq, Al-Hilal, and Al-Najmah38.Al-Taawoun, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Kholood, and Al-Adalah29.Al-Orobah and Neom1 How Ronaldo scored his 100 goals The breakdown behind Ronaldo’s century of Saudi Pro League goals reveals the complete nature of his finishing ability. Official Saudi Pro League graphics confirmed the exact distribution of his goals. That’s how the 🐐 gets it done. 💯 pic.twitter.com/9q0B64fOyo— Roshn Saudi League (@
The Al-Nassr superstar once again delivered on the big stage during his side’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, but the result only told part of the story surrounding another astonishing milestone in his legendary career. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite soccer history at an age when most players have already retired. The Al-Nassr superstar once again delivered on the big stage during his side’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab, but the result only told part of the story surrounding another astonishing milestone in his legendary career. With the Saudi Pro League title race reaching its decisive stretch, the Portuguese icon produced yet another performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport’s most relentless competitors. While Joao Felix grabbed headlines with a hat-trick, the superstar forward quietly achieved something no player in Saudi Pro League history had ever managed before. The match itself was far from comfortable for Al-Nassr despite the eventual scoreline. The club stormed into an early lead thanks to Joao Felix, who scored twice within the opening 10 minutes and immediately placed Al-Shabab under enormous pressure. Al-Shabab fought back bravely after Yannick Carrasco reduced the deficit in the first half, and the game remained tense deep into the second period. Ronaldo eventually restored breathing room in the 75th minute when he fired home a first-time finish after excellent work inside the box. Even then, the contest refused to settle completely. Al-Shabab found another goal shortly afterward before Felix completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal a crucial victory for Al-Nassr. The result pushed Al-Nassr five points clear of Al-Hilal at the top of the table, placing the club in a commanding position as the season approaches its conclusion. The historic record nobody had ever achieved in Saudi soccer As impressive as the victory was, the real attention quickly shifted toward Ronaldo’s latest achievement. According to Sofascore’s data, Ronaldo became the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against every single opponent in one league season. The goal against Al-Shabab completed the remarkable set. Across the 2025-26 campaign, Ronaldo found the net against all 17 opposing clubs in the league, a feat that had never previously been recorded in Saudi Arabian soccer. The achievement becomes even more extraordinary considering he is now playing at 40 and 41 years old during the campaign. Many elite forwards struggle to remain consistent at that stage of their careers, yet the Portuguese striker has continued scoring with astonishing regularity. As confirmed by the club, “He has now scored against all 17 teams he has faced in the Saudi Pro League this season, becoming the first player to score against every opponent in a single campaign.” Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026 The list itself reads like a season-long tour of destruction. Ronaldo scored against Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadisiyah, Damac, Al-Fateh, Al-Riyadh, Al-Fayha, and every other opponent placed in front of him during the campaign. Familiar story from Ronaldo’s career What makes the record even more fascinating is that this is not the first time Ronaldo has accomplished something similar. Transfermarkt has highlighted that the Portuguese forward previously managed the same achievement during the 2011-12 La Liga season with Real Madrid. Back then, CR7 finished the Spanish league season with an astonishing 46 goals. More than a decade later, he has repeated a similarly rare achievement in Saudi Arabia, once again demonstrating his extraordinary longevity. Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrating. The latest milestone also arrived alongside another major landmark. Ronaldo’s strike against Al-Shabab marked his 100th Saudi Pro League goal, reach
As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as developments off the pitch hand Al-Nassr a potential advantage ahead of a crucial derby. As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The buildup to the Riyadh derby has taken an unexpected turn, with internal conflict at Al-Shabab emerging at the worst possible time. The club now faces questions about squad harmony and readiness, while its rival prepares to capitalize on any instability. For Al-Nassr, the situation presents a timely boost as the club continues its push at the top of the table. The issue at Al-Shabab did not arise overnight, but it escalated dramatically following a disappointing 5-1 defeat in the league. What began as a disagreement quickly evolved into a wider problem that forced the club’s hierarchy to step in. At the heart of the controversy was a heated moment between Hamdallah and Carrasco during a match. A disagreement over decision-making on the pitch led to visible frustration, which later continued beyond the final whistle. il a bien raison jai vu le match du début à la fin malgré la défaite 5-1 je suis rester et j’ai vu un Carrasco horrible et même les journalistes on confirmer que il joue personnelle l’an passé il était blesser et l’équipe était mieux classé il mérite mieux hamdallah pic.twitter.com/lRtZhKNvek— Hamdallah Sati (@hamdallahsati) May 4, 2026 The situation reportedly extended into the dressing room, requiring intervention from staff members to prevent further escalation. What might have been a minor dispute instead turned into a full-blown internal issue, raising concerns about discipline and unity within the squad. Club responds with firm sanctions Al-Shabab has, thus, reacted decisively, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the club imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the Moroccan striker, including exclusion from the upcoming clash against Al-Nassr and suspension from team training for seven days. Beyond the immediate suspension, questions are now being raised about Hamdallah’s long-term position at the club. Arriyadiyah also goes on to suggest that his future could be in doubt, with the possibility of an early departure not ruled out. Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab battling for the ball This was not an isolated incident, either. SBA Sport has reported ongoing tension between Hamdallah and Carrasco throughout the season, indicating that the clash was the culmination of unresolved issues rather than a one-off disagreement. While efforts are believed to be underway to resolve the situation internally, the damage may already have been done. The incident has exposed deeper issues within the squad, leaving the club with a difficult balancing act between discipline and stability. Golden opportunity for Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, the timing of this crisis could hardly be better. Facing an opponent dealing with internal disruption, Jorge Jesus and his player have a clear opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. With Ronaldo continuing to deliver on the pitch with 25 goals this season, the focus now shifts to whether the Knight of Najd can take full advantage of the situation. The absence of a key attacking figure from the opposition may prove decisive in a match where margins are often thin.
With pressure mounting on chasing rivals, attention has shifted toward exactly how many wins are needed and when the championship could be sealed. Cristiano Ronaldo has once again become the defining figure in Al-Nassr’s push for long-awaited Saudi Pro League glory, while the club edges closer to a decisive moment in the title race. With pressure mounting on chasing rivals, attention has shifted toward exactly how many wins are needed and when the championship could be sealed. The situation is now finely balanced, with momentum firmly on Al-Nassr’s side but the finish line still requiring precision and composure. Al-Nassr delivered one of its most important results of the season with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahli, a match that stretched its winning streak to 20 consecutive games across all competitions. For long spells, the game was tight and tense, with both sides struggling to break through. The breakthrough eventually arrived through Ronaldo, who once again delivered when it mattered most. In the 75th minute, he rose to meet a Joao Felix corner and guided a header into the top corner, leaving Edouard Mendy with no chance. The strike sparked celebrations across Al Awwal Park, with teammates rushing to the corner flag as belief in the title grew stronger with each passing minute. That victory pushed the Knight of Najd further ahead at the top of the table, strengthening a position built on consistency and momentum. The club has now established a clear lead over Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, with only a small number of matches left to play. 🚨🇸🇦 𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔!👑 MAIS LÍDER DO QUE NUNCA! O Al Nassr bateu o Al Ahli no clássico e está a 4 rodadas do título saudita!⚔️ O principal adversário agora é o Al Hilal! 8 pontos atrás, um jogo a menos e um confronto direto para acontecer.QUEM SERÁ… pic.twitter.com/x2cnYnU3E3— Central do Arabão (@centraldoarabao) April 29, 2026 This run has been built on both attacking efficiency and defensive control. Al-Nassr’s ability to win tight matches has turned them into the clear favorites at the decisive stage of the season. However, the title is still not mathematically secure, meaning every remaining fixture carries weight. Breaking down what Al-Nassr needs to win the title The key question now is how many wins are required to officially secure the championship. With Al-Nassr leading the standings, the simplest scenario is straightforward: two victories in the remaining four fixtures will be enough to confirm the title, depending on other results. A decisive clash against Al-Hilal still hangs over the run-in, one that could either confirm dominance or briefly reopen the race. Yet the margin built through consistency has given the club breathing room that once seemed unlikely. Thus, if Al-Nassr maintains its current form, it could potentially clinch the league on May 7, against Al-Shabab, one game before actually facing Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr’s next games However, the exact timing depends on whether Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli drop points in their remaining games. In practical terms, the title is now in Al-Nassr’s hands. One or two more slip-ups from rivals would significantly accelerate the celebrations. What comes next for Al-Nassr The remaining fixtures will define the season. Each match now carries the weight of a potential title-clinching moment, with the squad aware that consistency is the final hurdle. Al-Nassr must avoid any slip-ups as the pressure increases. Rival results will also play a role, but the club’s advantage means control is largely in their own hands. The final stretch will test focus, discipline, and endurance more than anything else.
