Saudi Pro League Kick-Off: Al-Nassr Aim to Bounce Back Against Al Raed
The 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season kicks off with a tantalising clash between Al-Nassr and Al Raed at Al Awal Park on Thursday evening. The Knights of Najd, runners-up last season, will be looking to start their campaign on a positive note after a disappointing Super Cup final defeat, while Al Raed will hope to build on their impressive win at this venue last season.
A Troubled Super Cup Final
Al-Nassr are eager to put their recent Super Cup final heartbreak behind them. The Riyadh giants suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal, the reigning champions who secured a domestic double last season. Cristiano Ronaldo, despite opening the scoring, was left visibly frustrated with the team's performance, storming off the pitch without collecting his runners-up medal.
A Moment of Triumph for Al Raed
Al Raed, on the other hand, will arrive at Al Awal Park with memories of a remarkable victory at this ground last season. They were one of only two teams to leave the venue with all three points, defeating Al-Nassr 3-1 in March. Karim El Berkaoui, Mohamed Fouzair, and Amir Sayoud were the goalscorers for the visitors, while Aiman Yahya netted for the hosts.
New Beginnings
Following a turbulent end to the last campaign, Al Raed have undergone a managerial change, bringing in former Al-Riyadh and Santos boss Odair Hellmann to replace Igor Jovicevic. Hellmann will be hoping to mark his debut with a positive result against the PIF-owned powerhouse.
Team News and Lineups
Al-Nassr have no major injury concerns heading into the new season. Marcelo Brozovic, who missed the Super Cup final due to a red card, will be available for selection. Talisca, sidelined for much of last season, is expected to feature alongside Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in attack.
Al Raed have a single injury absentee in the form of Zakaria Hawsawi, who is recovering from a knee injury sustained last May. El Berkaoui, the club's top scorer last term, will lead the line, with Saleh Al-Amri hoping to make his debut after joining on loan from Al-Ittihad.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Al-Nassr: Bento; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Al-Khaibari, Otavio; Yahya, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo
Al Raed: Sunyur; Al Dossary; Gonzalez, Al Dosari, Al-Jayzani; Fouzair, Hazazi, Normann; Sayoud, El Berkaoui, Al-Ghamdi
A Clash of Titans
Despite Al Raed's past success at this ground, Al-Nassr will be favoured to secure a comfortable victory. The Knights of Najd will be keen to redeem themselves after their Super Cup disappointment and will be aiming to start their league campaign with a commanding win.
Prediction: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Raed
