The Saudi Pro League 2023/24 season kicked off last weekend with a flurry of goals, debut performances and flamboyant stars. However, Cristiano Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr did not start the opening day on a positive note.
Knights of Najd were beaten 2-1 by Al-Ettifaq despite going ahead soon after kick-off. With the injured Ronaldo not fit enough to return from the knock he suffered en route to winning his first trophy for Al-Nassr in the Arab Club Cup on Saturday, Sadio Mane led the way and scored the opener after just four minutes. Monday.
It initially looked like it would be a crucial strike against Mane’s former Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson in the Al-Ettifaq ranks. A quick double after the break – from Robin Quaison and Moussa Dembele – gave Steven Gerrard a huge victory in his first game in charge.
Next up for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo is Friday’s match against Al-Taawoun where they will look to bounce back in style. However, this will by no means be an easy task. The visitors finished the 2022/23 season strongly, winning their last seven league games to secure fifth place.
They could not pick up where they left off when they started the new campaign as they played out a dominant 1-1 draw against Al-Fateh. Led by Brazilian manager Pericles Chamusca, they are well able to surprise here.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Al-Aqidi; S. Al-Ghannam, Lajami, Madu, Telles; Al-Khaibari, Brozovic, Fofana; Talisca, Ronaldo, Mane
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Mailson; Al-Ghamdi, Girotti, Kadesh, Faqeehi; Flavio, Al-Mahdioui, Medran; Mateus, Tawamba, Bahusayn