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Saudi Clasico Countdown: Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Reveal Cards for the Derby Duel

2 January 2026

Saudi Clasico Countdown: Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Reveal Cards for the Derby Duel
Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli prepare for a Saudi Clasico showdown in Jeddah

Match Preview

Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli gear up for the Saudi Clasico, scheduled for Friday night as part of the 13th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League 2025-2026, at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

The two teams unveiled their cards for the showdown, inviting a packed crowd and a wave of anticipation across the kingdom.

Al-Nassr will be without Bento Matheus for tactical reasons, Abdul Malik Al-Jaber due to fitness and conditioning, and Sadio Mane who is with the Africa Cup of Nations, along with Mohamed Simakan and Sami Al-Naji sidelined by injuries.

Lineups and Absences

Al-Nassr lineup: Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi; defense: Sultan Al-Ghannam, Abdulilah Al-Omari, Inigo Martinez, Saad Al-Nasser; midfield: Marcelo Brozovic, Joao Felix, Angelo Gabriel; attack: Kingsley Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wesley.

Al-Ahli lineup: Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi; defense: Ali Majrashi, Mirih Demiral, Mohammed Suleiman Bakr, Zakaria Hossawi; midfield: Yazed Al-Jahani, Matheus, Valentin Atangjana; attack: Feras Al-Breikan, Ivan Tony, Wenderson Galeno.

In the standings, Al-Nassr sits atop the table with 31 points, while Al-Ahli occupy fourth with 22 points.

Historically, the clubs have met 32 times in the league; Al-Nassr has 12 wins, Al-Ahli 9, with 11 draws.

The latest meeting occurred last August in the Saudi Super Cup final, won by the western club on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Punchline 1: If this derby were a joke, it would be a killer punchline—barely a minute passes before someone yells, "Gooooal!"

Punchline 2: They say football is a game of inches; in this clash, it’s more like a game of centimeters—every touch could tip the scales, and the fans feel every centimeter of it.

Author

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the match take place?

The Saudi Clasico between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli is on Friday night at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.

Which players are absent and why?

Nassr misses Bento Matheus (tactical), Abdul Malik Al-Jaber (fitness), and Sadio Mane (AFCON), plus Mohammed Simakan and Sami Al-Naji due to injuries; Al-Ahli miss Roger Ibanez (suspension) and Edward Mendí, Frank Kessé, Riyad Mahrez due to AFCON/JournÉe constraints.

What is the current league standing and head-to-head history?

Nassr leads the table with 31 points; Al-Ahli is fourth with 22. They have met 32 times in the league, Nassr with 12 wins, Al-Ahli 9, and 11 draws; the last meeting was the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw.