AI-Fateh vs AI-Nassr

The Saudi Pro League serves up a high-stakes encounter this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as Al-Fateh (10th, 24 points) hosts title-chasers Al-Nassr (2nd, 49 points) at the Maydan Tamweel Aloula (Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium). Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 UTC (20:30 local time).

The headline of the week is undoubtedly the resolution of the "Ronaldo Strike." After a brief but intense standoff with the club's board over transfer strategy and unpaid staff salaries, Cristiano Ronaldo has officially returned to training and is expected to lead the line in Al-Ahsa.

Match Information

Al-Nassr: Power Struggle Over, Title Race On

Jorge Jesus’ side enters the weekend just one point behind leaders Al-Hilal. The club has been a lightning rod for drama lately, following reports that Ronaldo refused to play in protest against a perceived lack of investment compared to Al-Hilal (who recently signed Karim Benzema). However, with staff salaries reportedly settled and the board promising changes, the Portuguese superstar is back.

Team News and Selection:

• The Talisman Returns: Cristiano Ronaldo (17 league goals) is set to start after missing the last two matches. He signaled his return with a "V for Victory" post on social media earlier this week.

• Injury Absences: Al-Nassr will be without Sami Al-Najei and young prospect Saad Haqawi due to injury.

• Firepower: New summer signings João Félix (19 goals in all competitions) and Kingsley Coman have thrived in Ronaldo's absence and will likely form a fearsome attacking trio alongside him.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Nawaf Al-Aqidi; Sultan Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Alex Telles; Brozović, Al-Khaibari; Kingsley Coman, João Félix, Sadio Mané; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al-Fateh: The Mid-Table Resurgence

Under the guidance of the evergreen Matías Vargas, Al-Fateh has recovered from a rocky start to the season to sit comfortably in 10th. They have become the league's "draw specialists" lately, holding title contenders Al-Qadsiah to a 1–1 stalemate just last week.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Loss: The hosts will have to cope without star winger Mourad Batna, who is sidelined with an injury.

• The "Ekambi" Void: Following Karl Toko Ekambi’s winter departure to Al-Arabi, the scoring burden has shifted significantly onto Matías Vargas.

• Defensive Focus: Al-Fateh has struggled for clean sheets (none in their last 7 matches), which is a major concern facing the league's second-most prolific attack.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pacheco; Baattia, Fernandes, Al-Hamad, Al-Jari; Zaydou Youssouf, Masoud, Al-Fuhaid; Abdullah Al Anazi, Matías Vargas, Lucas Zelarayán.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• The Dominance: Al-Nassr has won 14 of the last 23 meetings between these sides (Al-Fateh has 3 wins).

• Recent Meeting: Al-Nassr dismantled Al-Fateh 5–1 in the reverse fixture in October 2025.

• Scoring Streaks: Al-Nassr has won 6 consecutive matches in the league. Al-Fateh is winless in their last 6 attempts.

• Away Strength: Al-Nassr is the second-best away team in the division this season.

Tactical Preview and Prediction

Al-Nassr’s tactical blueprint under Jorge Jesus revolves around high-pressing and quick switches to stretch the opponent's block. With Marcelo Brozović pulling the strings, expect them to target Al-Fateh’s wings, especially with the overlapping runs of Sultan Al-Ghannam.

Al-Fateh will likely adopt a low block and look to hit on the break through the creative Zelarayán. However, their inability to keep clean sheets suggests they will struggle to contain an Al-Nassr side bolstered by a motivated, returning Ronaldo.

Final Score Prediction: Al-Fateh 1–3 Al-Nassr