Al Fateh vs Al-Nassr: Ronaldo Returns as Knights of Najd Chase Title Leaders
AL HASA, 14 February 2026 — The Saudi Pro League returns to the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium this Saturday as Al Fateh hosts Al-Nassr in a Matchweek 22 encounter with significant title implications. While Al-Nassr looks to close the gap on league leaders Al Hilal, the headlines are dominated by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to feature for the first time following a three-game absence amid internal club tensions.
Match Preview: High Stakes in Al Hasa
Al-Nassr enters this fixture in formidable domestic form, having won their last six Saudi Pro League matches. Currently sitting in 3rd place with 49 points from 20 matches, the “Knights of Najd” trail Al Hilal by four points. The pressure is on Stefano Pioli’s side to maintain momentum, especially after Al Ittihad’s recent victory moved them temporarily further ahead in the standings.
Al Fateh, meanwhile, finds themselves in the middle of the pack, currently ranked 10th. The hosts have struggled for consistency, failing to secure a win in their last five league outings. However, playing at home in Al Hasa has historically provided a boost, with the team securing four home victories so far this season.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, Al-Nassr has dominated this fixture. Across their various competitive meetings, the Riyadh-based giants have consistently held the upper hand, though Al Fateh has proven capable of causing upsets on their day.
| Statistic | Al-Nassr FC | Al Fateh SC |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 20 | 4 |
| Draws | 9 | |
| Average Goals Per Match | 3.03 | |
| Last Meeting (Oct 2025) | 5 | 1 |
Recent Encounters
- 18 October 2025: Al-Nassr 5-1 Al Fateh (Ronaldo and Joao Felix dominated the scoresheet).
- 26 May 2025: Al Fateh 3-2 Al-Nassr (A rare victory for the Al Hasa side).
- 26 January 2025: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Fateh.
Team News: The Return of CR7
The most significant news ahead of kickoff is the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward had missed the last three matches—including an AFC Champions League Two fixture—due to reported disputes regarding his future and the club’s ownership. However, Ronaldo confirmed his return to the squad earlier this week and is expected to lead the line alongside Sadio Mané and Talisca.
Al Fateh will look to their captain and creative midfielders to exploit an Al-Nassr defence that, while successful recently, has shown vulnerability on the counter-attack. The hosts will be aiming to snap their winless streak and move into the top half of the table.
Predicted Lineups
Al-Nassr FC
Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Najdi; Brozovic, Otavio; Talisca, Joao Felix, Sadio Mané; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Fateh SC
Szappanos; Al-Zubaidi, Denayer, Saadane, Al-Kunaydiri; Bendebka, Al-Fuhaid; Batna, Zelarayan, Musaba; Djaniny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I watch Al Fateh vs Al-Nassr?
The match is available via the SSC (Saudi Sports Company) network in Saudi Arabia. International viewers can stream the game through platforms such as DAZN or Shahid, depending on regional broadcasting rights.
What time is kickoff?
The match is scheduled to start at 5:30 PM UTC on Saturday, 14 February 2026.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored against Al Fateh recently?
In their last meeting in October 2025, Ronaldo scored a “stunner” in a 5-1 victory. He also netted in the 3-1 win in January 2025, bringing his career total against Al Fateh to significant heights as he chases his 1,000-goal milestone.
What is the current league standing?
As of 14 February 2026, Al-Nassr is 3rd in the Saudi Pro League, while Al Fateh occupies the 10th position.