Match story
- Al Shabab fired more attempts (14 vs 10 shots).
- Al-Faisaly FC was more accurate in front of goal (70% on target vs 14%).
- Al-Faisaly FC held more of the ball (62% possession).
Al-Faisaly FC defeated Al Shabab 2-1 in Pro League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 17 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at Al Majma'ah Sports City Stadium in Al Majma'ah. D. Higler officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al-Faisaly FC vs Al Shabab meeting in Pro League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Faisaly FC and Al Shabab. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Pro LeagueRecorded meetings: 3 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
No prediction, odds, or comparable team statistics are available for this fixture yet. When Sportra has model probabilities and market prices, they will appear here as interactive charts.
Due to Al Nassr's financial situation, Cristiano Ronaldo will now have Diriyah FC as new venue partners at Al Awwal Park. Al Awwal Park has served as Cristiano Ronaldo‘s home stadium since his arrival at Al Nassr in December 2022, standing as one of the most heavily attended venues in Saudi Arabia. However, driven by ongoing financial strain, the club has agreed to a stadium-sharing arrangement that will see newly promoted Diriyah FC host their home matches at the facility. On Sunday, August 9, Diriyah FC announced that an agreement was finalized with Al Nassr to play their home fixtures at Al Awwal Park throughout the 2026-27 campaign, including games across the different competitions, and not only the Saudi Pro League. Diriyah FC confirmed the partnership with an official statement: “A light has been shining for us for a long time… For a glory that stems from ‘the beginning,’ not just from recently. Al Awwal (Park) approved ‘our home’ to host Diriyah FC’s matches in the 26/27 Roshn League.” After securing promotion through the playoffs in May against Al Ula, Diriyah FC became the third club promoted to the Saudi Pro League for the 2026-27 season alongside Abha and Al Faisaly. During its previous campaign in the Saudi First Division, the club played home matches at SGH Arena, home of Riyadh-based Al Shabab, before securing a new home for its top-flight return. مـدهـالنـا شاعـمٍ ضـوّه..لـ مجـدٍ من «أول» ماهو تـوّه 🦅• الأول بارك «ملفانا» لـ لقاءات الدرعية في دوري روشن 26/27 🤎 https://t.co/Tlc81qiVrv pic.twitter.com/Ia2t2RXGh7— نادي الدرعية (@diriyahclub) August 9, 2026 As a result, both Saudi Pro League clashes between Al Nassr and Diriyah FC, scheduled for September 17, 2026, and April 8, 2027, will take place at Al-Awwal Park. Furthermore, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will face their new venue partners in the King’s Cup Round of 32 on Aug. 18. Al Nassr forced to share stadium due to ongoing financial constraints Despite standing as one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship franchises, Al Nassr are navigating severe financial constraints, to the point that defensive midfielder Samu Costa remains the club’s sole summer acquisition. The stadium-sharing arrangement with Diriyah FC was orchestrated to generate crucial auxiliary revenue for a front office currently restricted from adding talent until existing transfer debts are settled. According to Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh, allowing Diriyah FC to host matches at Al Awwal Park will inject a substantial sum into the club’s treasury, providing a vital financial boost as the organization works to resolve its balance sheet issues.
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
While anticipation continues to build around the club's preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, one particular factor has delayed Ronaldo's return to the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Spanish side Merida in its latest preseason friendly, extending supporters’ wait to see the Portuguese superstar under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. While anticipation continues to build around the club’s preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, one particular factor has delayed Ronaldo’s return to the pitch. The Saudi Pro League champion has already begun a new chapter following Postecoglou’s arrival, but the squad remains without several key names. As preseason gathers pace in Portugal and Spain, attention has shifted from the opening results to when Ronaldo will finally make his first appearance of the summer. Al-Nassr entered preseason looking to build momentum after winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge following his appointment as the club’s new head coach. The Australian manager’s first outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Benfica B in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. Despite Abdulmalik Al-Jaber giving Al-Nassr an early lead, Benfica’s reserve side responded with two goals to hand Postecoglou his first defeat since taking over. Preparing for our second closed-door friendly 💛 pic.twitter.com/H6chW9hVUL— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 28, 2026 The match followed an unusual format of two 30-minute halves, allowing both coaching staff to carefully manage workloads during the early stages of preseason. Reports also indicated that Postecoglou ordered an additional training session immediately after the defeat as preparations continued. Why Ronaldo isn’t playing against Merida Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the friendly against Merida because he has not yet returned to Al-Nassr following Portugal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The veteran forward has been granted an extended post-tournament break and is continuing his scheduled recovery before rejoining the squad. Rather than rushing their captain back into action, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff has opted to prioritize his fitness ahead of another demanding season. Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Spain, bringing Ronaldo’s international campaign to a close. With the summer schedule still in its early stages, the club believes additional recovery time will better prepare its biggest star for the months ahead. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to individual training Ronaldo’s expected return timetable Current reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to rejoin Al-Nassr training next week, where he will begin a carefully managed conditioning programme. The club has not officially confirmed the exact date of his return to match action, but the focus remains on gradually rebuilding his fitness rather than accelerating the process. The aim is to ensure he is fully prepared once the competitive fixtures begin. Following the meeting with Merida, Al-Nassr still has two more preseason fixtures scheduled in Europe. The remaining matches are: August 1 – Estrela AmadoraAugust 4 – Almeria Based on current reports, Ronaldo’s availability for Estrela Amadora remains uncertain because of his conditioning programme. The friendly against Almeria on August 4 is widely viewed as the most likely opportunity for his preseason debut, assuming his recovery progresses according to schedule.
After the league officially unveiled the full fixture list, the reigning champion has a clear roadmap from opening day to the closing weekend, with the schedule ending in a challenge that could have major implications for the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo now knows exactly what awaits Al-Nassr in its bid to defend the Saudi Pro League crown during the 2026-27 season. After the league officially unveiled the full fixture list, the reigning champion has a clear roadmap from opening day to the closing weekend, with the schedule ending in a challenge that could have major implications for the title race. The new campaign promises another demanding journey as Saudi soccer balances domestic action with international commitments and continental competitions. Every club will face a tightly packed calendar, ensuring consistency and squad depth will once again prove crucial. The Saudi Pro League announced that the 2026-27 season will begin on August 13, 2026, and conclude on May 29, 2027. Across the campaign, clubs will contest 34 rounds and 306 league matches, making it another marathon season for Saudi football. The schedule was finalized after a workshop involving every club, during which league officials explained the scheduling process and allowed clubs to submit requests before approving the final calendar. The league also had to work around FIFA international windows, continental competitions, and preparations involving the Saudi Arabia national team ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Al-Nassr’s route to another title League organizers revealed just how demanding the coming season will be. Only 102 days have been allocated for league fixtures, while 80 days are reserved for FIFA international windows and scheduled breaks. Another 59 days are dedicated to domestic and continental competitions, leaving 43 days available for rest throughout the entire campaign. The defending champion opens the campaign on home soil. Al-Nassr will begin the season against Al Fateh at Al Awwal Park before facing away trips to Al Riyadh and Al Ettifaq in the opening weeks. Early home fixtures against Al Taawoun, Abha, Al Diriyah, NEOM, Al Kholood, Al Qadsiah, and Al Shabab could provide valuable momentum. The first half of the season also features demanding away matches against Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Faisaly, Al Hazem, and Al Fayha. The opening half concludes with a home Riyadh derby against Al Hilal on Matchday 17, one of the standout fixtures on the calendar. The second half of the campaign mirrors the first, with venues reversed. The final hurdle awaiting Ronaldo and Al-Nassr As the fixture list unfolds, one match immediately stands out above the rest. Al-Nassr’s final league match of the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season will be away to Al Hilal. The defending champion will therefore conclude its title defence against its fiercest rival, creating the possibility of a dramatic finish if the championship remains undecided heading into the final round. That closing fixture becomes even more significant when compared to the opening schedule. Rather than easing into the finish with a lower-ranked opponent, Al-Nassr must travel to face one of the league’s strongest sides in what could become the decisive match of the season.
Full preview of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Saudi Arabia enters the 2026 World Cup facing significant questions after a turbulent preparation period. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation made a late coaching change in April 2026, bringing in Georgios Donis to lead the roster to North America. Following their historic upset over Argentina in 2022, expectations for the Green Falcons have grown alongside the massive financial investment in the Saudi Pro League. Fans now expect the national team to compete for a knockout spot, rather than simply participating in the group stage. As one of the intriguing FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, Saudi Arabia must prove their domestic growth translates to international success. Placed in a demanding group alongside Spain, Uruguay, and debutants Cape Verde, the challenge is steep. In this World Cup 2026 team preview, we break down the tactical approach, Saudi Arabia key players, and group stage outlook for the squad. Team profile CategoryDetailCoachGeorgios DonisCaptainSalem Al-DawsariNicknameThe Green FalconsFIFA Ranking61stConfederationAFCGroupGroup HBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (1994)World Cup Appearances7Last World Cup Appearance2022 How Saudi Arabia play Under their new leadership, the Saudi Arabia formation is expected to reflect a front-footed, attacking philosophy. Donis typically favors a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system that prioritizes pace on the wings and quick transitions. The manager is also known for his tactical flexibility. He will occasionally shift the roster into a 3-5-2 setup to provide extra defensive stability against stronger opponents. During the qualification cycle, the Green Falcons relied heavily on a rigid defensive structure. They conceded an average of just 0.72 goals per game, limiting opponents to minimal clear chances. However, this defensive solidity often came at the expense of attacking output in the final third. Creating chances remains the primary tactical vulnerability for this squad. They averaged only 1.22 goals per match during qualifying, struggling to break down organized defenses. Ultimately, balancing their disciplined defensive shape with enough offensive creativity will determine their success this summer. Georgios Donis: The coach behind Saudi Arabia Georgios Donis took charge of the national team in April 2026 following the sudden departure of Hervé Renard. The federation appointed the Greek manager just two months before the competition, banking on his extensive experience within the country. The new Saudi Arabia coach has spent significant time managing in the Saudi Pro League, including successful stints with Al Hilal, Al Wehda, Al Fateh, and Al Khaleej. This deep understanding of the local player pool means he requires minimal time to evaluate the roster. Known for a demanding and flexible coaching style, the former Panathinaikos manager previously won domestic cups with Al Hilal. While this is his first international management role, his familiarity with the squad’s core pieces could help stabilize the team quickly. Key player: Salem Al-Dawsari Salem Al-Dawsari remains the undeniable creative engine for the Green Falcons. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal star typically operates on the left wing, using his pace and technical ability to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. With 108 international caps and 26 goals, Al-Dawsari brings vital experience to the roster. He is best known for his stunning game-winning strike against Argentina in 2022, highlighting his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. Domestically, the two-time AFC Player of the Year continues to produce exceptional numbers, consistently registering double-digit goal tallies for his club. Saudi Arabia’s road to the 2026 World Cup The journey to secure their spot in North America was unusually difficult for the Green Falcons. Normally dominant in Asian qualifying, the team struggled offensively
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