Al-Ittihad Jeddah — Al-Nassr Riyadh : Match Preview and Prediction for September 26,2025

Al-Ittihad’s Current Form

Al-Ittihad enters this match with nine points from three rounds, mirroring their opponent’s standing. However, their journey to accumulate these points has been anything but smooth. The victory against Al-Najma was only secured in the 96th minute by a Kante goal, highlighting significant challenges in breaking down well-organized defenses.

Vulnerabilities Exposed

Furthermore, their recent 1-2 defeat to Al-Wahda in the AFC Champions League exposed the team’s vulnerabilities at a higher competitive level. The statistics from that match are telling: a mere two shots on goal throughout the entire game, compared to 26 by their opponent. This raises serious questions about Al-Ittihad’s readiness to face a formidable adversary like Al-Nassr.

Squad Challenges and Benzema’s Return

Laurent Blanc’s squad is also grappling with personnel challenges. The injury to key right-back Muhannad Al-Shanqiti represents a significant blow to their defensive solidity. The coach himself has spoken of a “full-back crisis,” which is particularly concerning given Al-Nassr’s strategy of building play through the flanks with their potent wingers. Karim Benzema’s return from injury is a positive development, but his prior absence underscored the attack’s reliance on a single player, and his current form and speed in regaining match fitness remain uncertain.

Al-Nassr’s Dominant Start

Al-Nassr has started the season as an absolute powerhouse. Jorge Jesus’s team isn’t merely collecting points; they are doing so with terrifying dominance. Three victories in three league matches, with an aggregate goal difference of 12:1, leave no doubt about their formidable attacking prowess. Crushing victories against Al-Riyadh (5:1) in the league and Jeddah (4:0) in the cup are not isolated incidents but rather a testament to the cohesive performance across all their lines.

Ronaldo and Félix Partnership

The partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix is already striking fear across the league. Félix appears to have found his stride with the team: in three matches, he has netted 5 goals, provided an assist, and been named Man of the Match twice. Ronaldo, for his part, scored a brace in the last league game and, having rested in the cup fixture, seems to be in superb form.

Impenetrable Defense and Psychological Edge

However, Al-Nassr’s primary strength extends beyond their attack. The team’s defense has been nearly flawless, conceding only one goal in three league rounds. This starkly contrasts with Al-Ittihad’s four conceded goals, making the difference appear monumental. In their recent Super Cup semi-final, Al-Nassr also emerged victorious (2-1), granting them a psychological edge.