Ronaldo Starts as Al-Ittihad Coach Makes Surprise Lineup Call

Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the starting lineup as Al-Nassr's central striker for their Saudi Pro League Clásico against Al-Ittihad, a fixture widely regarded as one of the league's biggest domestic rivalries.

The confirmed team news drew significant attention, not only because of Ronaldo's continued role as Al-Nassr's main attacking option, but also because of an unexpected selection decision made by the Al-Ittihad coach.

Al Amri, a Moroccan defender nicknamed the "Lion of Morocco" for his consistent performances, was left out of Al-Ittihad's starting eleven despite having returned to the club this season. His omission was described as a shock, given his profile and recent return to the squad.

Al-Ittihad are currently pursuing a three-peat, aiming to secure a third consecutive Saudi league title. Reports suggested the coach's approach to selection reflects the pressure of that target, with the phrase "no time for sentiment" used to characterise his willingness to prioritise tactical needs over sentiment toward individual players, regardless of reputation or past service to the club.

This kind of selection dilemma is not uncommon in high-stakes title races, where coaches must balance squad harmony against the need to field their strongest possible eleven for each match. Al Amri's exclusion, in particular, highlighted how competitive places have become within the Al-Ittihad squad this season.

Ronaldo's continued presence in the Saudi Pro League has kept global attention on the competition, with Clásico fixtures such as this one routinely generating strong interest both domestically and internationally. His inclusion up front was largely anticipated, given his consistent role as the focal point of Al-Nassr's attack.

While the source material did not detail the eventual scoreline or broader match events, the pre-match lineup news itself became a significant talking point, reflecting the scrutiny both clubs face in a title race defined by fine margins and difficult selection choices.