When the Riyadh Derby Decides the Crown: Can Nassr End Hilal’s Title Hope in Style?

Saudi Pro League Title Race Heats Up

Al-Nassr has a golden opportunity to seal the Saudi Pro League title in the 2025-2026 season against their arch-rivals Al-Hilal.

Hilal now trails by five points behind the leaders after a 2-2 draw with Al-Taawoun at Kingdom Arena on Saturday, in Round 27 of the league.

That means Al-Nassr could clinch the title in the derby on May 7, at Al-Nassr Park, in Round 32 of the season.

Before that match, Al-Nassr will play four league games against Al-Khudood, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah, from rounds 28 to 31.

Also read: Video: The second in 40 days... Al-Taawon gifts Al-Nassr and holds Al-Hilal to a fresh draw.

If Al-Nassr wins those games, the gap with Hilal, second, will remain five points before the Riyadh derby, should the leader win all of their matches as well.

If Nassr beats Hilal in the derby, the gap would rise to eight points with only two rounds left, effectively sealing the “World” side's Saudi Pro League title.

This could be Nassr's first league crown in seven years, since their last title in 2019.

Punchline 1: If this title race were a comedy, the punchline would be a goalkeeper's smile and a referee's whistle—the plot twists, they keep coming without a subscription.

Punchline 2: If Nassr wins, the trophy might need a seatbelt for all the roars—some crowds turn a stadium into a rollercoaster of euphoria.