LONDON: Last week, the world watched as Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich in a dramatic UEFA Champions League semifinal. Then at the weekend, global attention turned to Arsenal taking a huge step toward the English Premier League title after beating West Ham United in a tense game.
On Tuesday evening, there is another epic clash: the Riyadh Derby, a potential title decider, a pivotal moment in Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied career and, most importantly, the biggest game in Saudi Pro League history in terms of global attention.
“Your support has pushed us every single week,” Ronaldo wrote on social media on Monday. “In the stadium, at home and everywhere around the world. That energy is with us on the pitch. Let’s make it count. For us. For you. For Nassr. See you tomorrow.”
Many will. The SPL is watched in over 180 countries and last year’s viewership was 230 million. Tuesday’s clash is set to be the most watched game of all.
There is always something on the line when Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal meet, even if it is just pride, but rarely have the stakes been so high in the 68-year history of the derby. The situation is clear and that is not the only reason why hundreds of thousands of fans tried to get tickets.
As things stand, Al-Nassr have played 32 games out of 34, with 82 points and in first place. The Blues are a game and five points behind. It means that a Nassr win will deliver a first title since 2019.
It would also mean a first major trophy for Ronaldo since he joined the Yellows in December 2022. He has personal milestones, such as two SPL golden boots, and reached 100 league goals earlier this month but the championship is within reach like never before.
But if Hilal win and then take three points off Neom SC at the weekend they would be top going into the final round of games. And few would bet against Simone Inzaghi’s men — who have, incredibly, yet to lose a league game this season — lifting the trophy for a 20th time.
In terms of major leagues, this is the dream. We have seen the destination of trophies settled with weeks to spare in many European countries but here we have two teams pushing for the title in the penultimate match.
It is like Arsenal and Manchester City coming together but just imagine if they were local rivals to add extra spice. You could make a case for Nassr being Arsenal, a huge club that has had to wait for too long to become champions once more.
During that time, fans in the yellow half of Riyadh have watched the winning machine that is Hilal collect more trophies at home, such as the King Cup last weekend, and abroad. The Blues are a little like Manchester City and, like the English team at the moment, are behind in points.
It will be a full house and likely an unforgettable atmosphere. For the neutral there is the sense that anything could happen. Ronaldo could be on the back pages of newspapers around the world tomorrow celebrating with his teammates. Or be looking on, crestfallen, as his rivals steal the show.
Many stars likely to be at the 2026 World Cup will be on show. For Nassr there is the glittering presence of Ronaldo who is preparing for Portugal’s latest — and his last — attempt to win football’s biggest prize.
There is also his club and country colleague Joao Felix, the attacking midfielder who has had a stellar first season for Al-Nassr, and of course Sadio Mane, Senegal’s talisman.
Domestic fans will also be cheering on local heroes including Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who will be keen to show they can rise to the big occasions.
The same is true of Al-Hilal. Ruben Neves will soon be joining up with Ronaldo in Portugal’s attempt to become world champions and Youssine Bounou is not only the Moroccan No. 1 but also a big part of Hilal’s spine, along with Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Then there are Saudi Arabian stars including the Green Falcons’ captain Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno and Nasser Al-Dawsari.
The newly appointed coach of Saudi Arabia, Georgios Donis, will be watching closely as will those in charge of other national teams. They, like millions of others, are in for a treat.
