Al-Nassr fans have reacted with optimism after Cristiano Ronaldo was named in a strong XI for their Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Ettifaq. The Knights of Najd are aiming to extend their lead at the summit of the league table to eight points, at least momentarily.

Veteran tactician Jorge Jesus has made two changes to the XI that overcame strugglers Al-Akhdoud in their league encounter last Saturday. The Saudi giants are on a historic run of 16 successive wins, as Ronaldo and co remain on the hunt for the league title.

Al-Nassr have failed to defeat Al-Ettifaq in each of their last two meetings, with their most recent encounter ending in a 2-2 draw earlier this season. They had won all of their games to start the 2025-26 season until that point, and will hope to avoid a similar fate this time around.

Jesus’ selection for the game has led to confidence from the fans, who believe that the lineup has given them a very good chance of victory. They took to X to share their reactions to the XI named by the Portuguese schemer for the clash.

One fan described the lineup as a perfect one for the clash.

Another fan urged the team to secure all three points from the encounter.

A fan was pumped up for the encounter after seeing the lineup.

Another fan pointed out that picking up three points was of the utmost importance.

Al-Nassr will have played one game more than nearest rivals Al-Hilal at the end of their encounter against Al-Ettifaq. Their win over Al-Akhdoud last time out was their 13th consecutive one in the league, a first in the club’s history.

Cristiano Ronaldo welcomes Al-Nassr teammate for Al-Ettifaq clash

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are set to welcome key defender Inigo Martinez into their XI to face Al-Ettifaq. The Spaniard had been out injured since March, with an injury causing him to miss up to a month of action.

Martinez last played for the side in their 5-0 win over Al-Khaleej on March 14th, and he played for 84 minutes before he had to be substituted. The 34-year-old ex-Barcelona man has returned straight into the XI for the game, partnering Abdulelah Al-Amri at the back.

Inigo Martinez had played 35 times across all competitions for the Knights of Najd this season before his injury. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side will be boosted by the return of the veteran for the remainder of the campaign.