Richard Dean
Updated on: October 13, 2024 4:41 pm GMT
Soccer fans around the world are gearing up for an exciting matchup as Al-Nassr faces off against Al-Hazem in the Round of 32 of the King Cup of Champions 2024-25. This clash promises to feature some thrilling moments, especially with star players in action. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr’s renowned captain, will not be on the field due to a recent managerial decision. As the anticipation builds, let’s delve into what to expect from this much-anticipated game.
Match Details: Date, Time, and Venue
The King’s Cup showdown will take place on Monday, September 23, at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. The match is set to kick off at 9:05 PM IST. Fans in India can catch all the action live on the Sony Sports Network, with streaming available via the SonyLIV app and website.
Al-Nassr’s Recent Form
Under the guidance of newly-appointed coach Stefano Pioli, Al-Nassr has been in solid form. They recently claimed a 3-0 victory over Al-Ettifaq FC, showcasing a strong start to the season. Key players like Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca also found the back of the net, contributing to the commanding win.
Current Standings in the Saudi Pro League:
- Position: 5th
- Points: 8 (from 2 wins and 2 draws)
Despite this excellent performance, coach Pioli has opted to rest Ronaldo for this knockout match to preserve his energy ahead of the busy season.
Ronaldo’s Impact on Al-Nassr
Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo has been a remarkable force in the team. He has netted 69 goals in 76 matches, solidifying his status as a key player. However, for the current match, his absence means that other players will have to step up.
Previous Encounter with Al-Hazem
In their last face-off, these two teams played to a thrilling 4-4 draw, highlighting the competitive spirit of Al-Hazem despite their relegation from the Saudi Pro League last season.
Head-to-Head Record:
- Al-Nassr Wins: 15
- Al-Hazem Wins: 5
- Draws: 4
Even with Ronaldo sidelined, Al-Nassr will likely look to replicate their historical success against Al-Hazem.
Al-Hazem’s Recent Performance
Al-Hazem, currently competing in Saudi Division 1, is showing good form as well. They secured a 2-1 victory against Al-Tai in their recent match, placing them third in Division 1 with 10 points from four matches. With motivation high, they aim to upset Al-Nassr in this knockout competition.
Player Dynamics and Strategies
Without Ronaldo in the lineup, the team will heavily rely on players like Talisca and Al-Najdi. Pioli’s strategic decisions will be crucial in managing their performance against a resilient Al-Hazem side.
How to Watch the Match
For fans eager to catch Al-Nassr’s pursuit of the King Cup, the match will be available through:
- Sony Sports Network (TV Telecast)
- SonyLIV (Live Streaming App and Website)
Conclusion
The countdown to the big match is on, and everyone is buzzing with excitement for the thrilling game between Al-Nassr and Al-Hazem. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be playing, there will still be lots of amazing talent on the field, making it a night to remember. Will Al-Nassr keep winning with Coach Pioli, or will Al-Hazem surprise everyone? We can’t wait to see what happens!
