Derby Under Pressure: Al-Nassr's Slide Sparks Fire Ahead of the Riyadh Clash
9 January 2026
Derby Drama and Recent Form
Saudi broadcaster Walid Al-Farraj expressed astonishment at Al-Nassr's plight and recent results in the Saudi Pro League, after dropping eight points in the last three games as the team prepares for a tough derby against Al-Hilal.
They drew with Al-Ettifaq 2-2, then lost to Al-Ahli in the classic 2-3, before a further 2-1 setback to Al-Qadsiyah.
Stakes and Scrutiny
Air time quotes quoted: 'You feel that Al-Nassr has a target on its back, going from four-point clear at the top to four points behind, chasing first place'.
He speculated that if they had won those matches, they would have reached 39 points and maintained a four-point gap; even a derby win wouldn't restore the top spot.
He continued: 'We used to say Al-Nassr would clinch the title in the first phase, but after this slump, even with a derby win they won't regain the lead'.
He also criticized the team's goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, saying his overconfidence cost the side.
Al-Aqidi committed a costly mistake when he tried to parry a ball from his box, allowing Mexican Julián Quinones to run free and score.
Farraj: 'It seems Al-Aqidi has become a public figure; natural after his rise to No.1 at Nassr and the national team and the spotlight'.
He added that the goalkeeper doesn't focus on the pitch and seems distracted by outside matters.
Punchline 1: If football were a TV show, Nassr's season would be 'Keeping Up with the Misplaced Points'.
Punchline 2: Nawaf Al-Aqidi's new fame is such that even the scoreboard wants his autograph.
