The desert air in Riyadh is electric. On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Saudi Pro League witnesses its most high-stakes encounter yet. This isn’t just a game; it’s a tactical chess match between two giants that could define the trajectory of the 2025/26 title race.
The Standings: A Four-Point Gap
As we enter Matchweek 15, the hierarchy at the top of the table has become clear, yet precarious. Al Hilal currently leads the pack with 35 points, maintaining an unbeaten streak that has seen them win 11 of their 13 matches.
Meanwhile, Al Nassr FC sits in the runner-up spot with 31 points. After a minor mid-season wobble, Jorge Jesus’s men are desperate to close the gap. A victory tonight would pull them within a single point of the leaders, while an Al Hilal win would create a daunting seven-point cushion.
CR7: The Hunt for 1,000 Official Goals
All cameras are fixed on Cristiano Ronaldo. At 40 years old, the “GOAT” is defying biology, entering the Riyadh Derby with a singular focus beyond just the three points.
- Current Goal Count: 958 Career Goals.
- The Milestone: Only 42 goals remain to reach the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark.
- Recent Form: Ronaldo recently converted his 180th career penalty, showing that his nerves remain steel-cold under pressure. He has already scored in both of Al Nassr’s matches in 2026.
Can the legendary #7 find the back of the net against a Al Hilal defense that has conceded only 12 goals all season?
Probable Lineups & Team News
Both sides are missing key African stars due to the ongoing AFCON tournament, with Bono and Kalidou Koulibaly absent for the hosts, and Sadio Mane unavailable for the visitors.
| Position | Al Hilal (4-2-3-1) | Al Nassr FC (4-3-3) |
| Goalkeeper | Al-Rubaie | Nawaf Al-Aqidi |
| Defense | Al-Yami, Tambakti, Akcicek, Al-Harbi | Sultan Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya |
| Midfield | Ruben Neves, Milinkovic-Savic | Brozovic, Al-Khaibari, Joao Felix |
| Attack | Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari, Marcos Leonardo | Angelo, Kingsley Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo |
Tactical Note: Watch for Simone Inzaghi to potentially bring Darwin Nunez off the bench if Al Hilal needs a physical presence to break the deadlock in the second half.
Prediction & Betting Odds
The market is split, but the home advantage at the Kingdom Arena gives Al Hilal a slight edge.
- Al Hilal to Win: 2.05 (+105)
- Draw: 3.50 (+250)
- Al Nassr to Win: 2.40 (+140)
Magazine’s Prediction: A pulsating 2-2 Draw. Given that Al Nassr boasts the league’s highest goal tally (38) while Al Hilal has the most shots on target, expect fireworks. Joao Felix and Ruben Neves will likely dominate the middle of the park, but a moment of Ronaldo magic might be the equalizer.
Match Info
- Kick-off: 20:30 (Local Riyadh Time)
- Venue: Kingdom Arena4
- How to Watch: FOX Sports 2, DAZN, and live stats on 365Scores.
