MW24 Talking Points: Ronaldo, Inzaghi, survival & Sea Derby build

With only 10 rounds remaining in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, the battle at the top remains as intense as ever as all four - yes, four - title challengers were pushed hard in a thrilling Matchweek 24.

One came unstuck by perhaps unexpectedly dropping points, while elsewhere there were come-from-behind wins. At the other end, the gripping relegation battle took another turn, too.

So, sit back and enjoy our talking points from three days of drama-filled action.

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All eyes on Ronaldo

It goes without saying that Cristiano Ronaldo’s every move is heavily scrutinised. However, after being withdrawn with 10 minutes remaining of Al Nassr’s come-from-behind victory at Al Fayha looking in some discomfort, fears were that Ronaldo could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

With ice on his lower hamstring, Al Nassr can ill afford to lose their talisman at such a crucial juncture in the season. Still, we must underscore, there's been no official word as to the captain’s fitness - and Ronaldo is a physical phenomenon, of course.

Promisingly, Al Nassr remain in the box seat in the title race, reclaiming their place at the summit with that rebound 3-1 win. Trailing with less than 20 minutes to go, Jorge Jesus’ side showed their mental strength by powering home with three goals to edge ever closer to a first top-flight title in seven years.

It’s why afterwards Joao Felix, the Man of the Match, praised Al Nassr’s “big players”.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Al Hilal still to improve

After five draws in seven games, the 2023-24 champions needed only to get back to winning ways. Seeing their seven-point lead turn into a three-point deficit, they couldn’t afford to drop any more points at the moment as they seek to keep up with Al Nassr.

But, while Al Hilal managed to do that in an entertaining 5-3 victory at Riyadh rivals Al Shabab, the performance didn’t completely erase any lingering doubts.

It marked only the second time this season the capital club have conceded three goals in a match and now makes it four games in all competitions without a clean sheet. All the while the injury list growing longer, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and Hassan Tambakti.

And, even if Simone Inzaghi’s squad should possess the depth to cover absences, Al Hilal will know they must rally together to maintain hopes of ultimately prevailing come season’s end.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Al Qadsiah lose momentum

After two impressive showings against Al Ettifaq and Al Okhdood, scoring eight goals, Brendan Rodgers’ side will be ruing missed opportunities in their 1-1 draw with Al Taawoun.

It’s a result that sees them slip slightly back from the chasing pack. While only three points separate the top three, Al Qadsiah are now a further four points off Al Nassr, which feels like a considerable mountain to climb across the final 10 rounds.

Two draws in their past five RSL outings have slowed Al Qadsiah’s momentum somewhat and, at the end of the campaign, how important could those “missing” four points be in the ultimate calculations?

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Al Okhdood restore survival hopes

While another defeat felt like it consigns Al Najmah to an immediate return to the second tier, the 3-1 win for Al Okhdood offers the Najran-based club optimism for a great escape.

As it stands, they lie second bottom but only three points behind both Al Riyadh and Damac, each of whom dropped points in Matchweek 24 and thus allowing Marius Sumudica’s side to climb ever closer. It makes the next two fixtures before this month’s FIFA international break even more crucial.

With both games coming against sides in the bottom half of the table - Al Fayha and Al Shabab - any points, especially wins, that Al Okhdood can pick up could be decisive in the relegation scrap. Indeed, they could be enough to ensure their survival for another season.

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Watch the match highlights HERE

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Sea Derby building nicely

A pair of 1-0 victories for Al Ahli and Al Ittihad were far from the highlights of Matchweek 24, both more industrious rather than inspirational.

But sometimes it’s about simply getting the three points and moving on, especially for Al Ahli, who cemented their position in the top two with capital triumph at Al Riyadh.

What it sets up, though, is another thrilling chapter in the Sea Derby this coming Friday, with both Jeddah giants undefeated in their past four. Like much of what we’ve referenced above, it might go a long way in determining the fight for the RSL title.

Although Al Ittihad’s trophy defence hasn’t gone as planned, the fifth-placed RSL champions still have a role to play at the top of the table. Given city rivalries, you’d expect Sergio Conceicao’s side would love nothing more than to deliver a hammer blow to their derby opponents.

Check out how the season's first Sea Derby unfolded - in pictures

17 Photos

Photo Albums 09 Nov 2025