Cup Classic Countdown: A Storied Clash Between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad Ahead of the King’s Cup Showdown

Match Preview

Al Nassr are gearing up to face their Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad today, Tuesday, in the King’s Cup Round of 16. The looming clash promises a high-stakes, cup-tie atmosphere and a chance for either side to make a bold statement in a competition that has a long memory for both clubs.

Saudi referee Khalid Al-Treis will oversee the eagerly anticipated classic between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, held at The First Park. His track record with these two sides spans multiple outings, underscoring the charged context in which this clash will unfold.

According to Saudi paper Al-Yom, Al-Treis has officiated numerous matches involving both teams in recent years, including 17 games with Al Nassr before tonight’s derby. The capital club has claimed 12 wins, 4 draws, and only one defeat in those meetings, a stat that adds weight to the visitors’ nerves and the home side’s confidence. On the other bench, the Saudi international officiant has overseen 18 Al Ittihad matches, boasting 11 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses.

Record-keeping aside, this is a contest that carries historical gravity: the two giants have clashed 12 times in the King’s Cup since its inception, with both sides claiming five victories and at least one win coming via penalties. Two meetings ended in draws under a home-and-away format.

As a cup rivalry, the balance sheet is intriguing: both teams are tied on overall cup wins, but the tally of advances and upsets tilts in favor of whoever can seize the moment on the night.

Head-to-Head, Form and Lineups

Looking at the broader head-to-head in the King’s Cup, the pair have combined for 27 different scorers and 36 goals in Cup clashes, with each side registering 18 goals. Nassr’s contributions come from 14 different scorers, while 13 Ittihad players have found the net. The all-time top scorer in these Cup meetings is Majed Abdullah, who contributed a notable portion of his team’s goals across two matches, underscoring how much these nights mean to the clubs’ legacies.

The expected lineups

Saudi press outlets circulated a projected XI for Al Ittihad against Al Nassr: Goalkeeper: Bridž Raiković; Defense: Mario Mitai, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al Mosa, Mohand Al Shnqiti; Midfield: Faisal Al-Ghamdi, Ngolo Kante, Fabiño Teveris; Attack: Mousa Diaby, Steven Bergewin, Karim Benzema. For Nassr, the popular projection followed with: Goalkeeper: Nawaf Al-Aqidi; Defense: Nawaf Boushil, Mohamed Siamakan, Inigio Martinez, Ayman Yahya; Midfield: Abdullah Al-Khabeer, Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix; Attack: Kendysli Koman, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jorge Jesus rejects Brozovic’s inclusion

Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus reportedly decided not to include Croatian Marcelo Brozovic in the Nassr squad for the Cup clash against Al Ittihad. The Red and Gold’s communication indicated Brozovic had been available for team training but the coach chose to err on the side of caution to prevent aggravating any lingering issue. Brozovic remains a key midfielder for the team when fit, and his absence is a talking point ahead of what promises to be a physical, high-tempo affair.

With injuries sidelining Abdulmalik Al-Jaber and Saad Al-Nasser, and Sami Al-Naji alongside Brozovic listed as unavailable, the depth chart shifts to a familiar rotation that could define the match’s tempo. The Croatian’s influence in the middle, however, remains a talking point as the teams line up with heavy forward lines and a need to control the midfield rhythm.

Tomorrow’s draw for the King’s Cup

The King’s Cup quarterfinal draw is scheduled for tomorrow, with the eight-team draw set to be conducted at 3:00 PM, following the Round of 16’s conclusion. The draw will be streamed from the studios of the “Thamaniya” network, per the competition’s official X account.

The Round of 16 schedule is packed with intriguing ties: Gulf against Tawon, Al-Fateh against Al-Riyad, Al-Qadsia against Al-Nasra, and Al-Batin versus Al-Ahli, among others. The night’s capstone is the classic Nassr–Ittihad duel at 9 PM at The First Park, and Al Hilal versus Al Akhdoud takes place in Najran.

As for the trophy itself, Al Ittihad sit as the reigning King’s Cup champions after beating Al Qadisiyah 3-1 in the final, a victory that secured their sixth title in the competition’s history. Their supremacy is challenged by Al Hilal’s nine titles, Al Ahli’s eight, and Nassr’s five, as the latest edition promises another story worth telling.

Humor break: If this cup run had a slogan, it’d be “defense optional, drama mandatory.” And if the bench had a mic, even the substitutes would demand a standing ovation. Punchline incoming: when these two clubs collide, even the ball seems to take a coffee break just to enjoy the show. And yes, that’s not a foul, that’s called “matchday entertainment insurance.”