The King Cup of Champions is a huge bang and two of the most prominent Saudi clubs, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, will face each other in the Round of 32 at Mrsool Park, Riyadh, on October 28th, 2025 (06:00 PM UTC). It will not only be a night of football; it will be a fight of dreams, self-respect, and forgiveness.

For Al Nassr, this season has been about changing their narrative after finishing a disappointing third in the Saudi Pro League last season. The club acted with tactical boldness—hiring Jorge Jesus as head coach and spending big on world-class talent to bolster the squad. The results? A new team and a dominant force proudly sailing at the top of the league table with an unbeaten record.

For Al Ittihad, meanwhile, who are the reigning King Cup champions, it has been a season of chaos. Their league performance has been disjointed, their form has been inconsistent, and there has been speculation just beneath the surface regarding discontent in the dressing room. But that is the beauty of knockout football, and they can transform narratives in an instant.

For Al Nassr, the disappointment of last season has become a distant memory. Jorge Jesus has restored Al Nassr to being a tactical giant that is structured, ruthless, and confident. The football they have produced this season has mixed the precision of European football with the flair of Saudi football; this combination has torn every opponent apart.

Al Nassr's success thus far has been down to their balance in the team; Iñigo Martínez and Simakan allowed for steel in the back, Brozović created out of midfield, and Ronaldo and João Félix terrorized defenses with a devastating attack. Félix in particular has been nothing short of a revelation; the Portuguese star looks to have recaptured his spark and has scored 10 goals in 10 matches. His chemistry with Ronaldo has lit up Saudi football; Al Nassr has become sensational going forward. Their record speaks for themselves with five wins in a row, 11 goals for and two against. They are in tune with each other, playing with belief and rhythm, and if they can continue their form, they may go all the way.

For Al Ittihad, this game represents something greater than just a cup tie. This is a test of resilience. They were crowned league champions last season but have not had the smoothest ride in their 2025/26 campaign so far. They currently sit seventh and have yet to show the same level of dominance they once held.

Their recent form makes for sorry reading, with only one win from their last five matches, and a 0-2 loss to Al Hilal is certainly not what fans expect. However, in amongst this chaos they still have undeniable quality. World-class experience and leadership are provided through N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema. And Moussa Diaby continues to add pace and threats to the opposition. The main challenge facing coach Sérgio Conceição is reloading the cohesion of the club to mix the experience of the old heads and the energy of the young blood. They will need to be disciplined, compact, and clinical against an energetic and relentless Al Nassr team.

Jorge Jesus has put in place a structure learned from the European game, which is a compact defense, aggressive pressing, and fast transitions. Expect Al Nassr to try to dominate possession early, using their full-backs to stretch Al Ittihad’s shape, as Felix and Mané look to exploit the half spaces behind the defenders. The ever-predatory Cristiano Ronaldo will be lurking for those killer crosses and through balls.

Conceição prefers a flexible 4-3-3, anchored by what is likely to be a tireless Kanté in midfield. Benzema's ability to drop deep and link play will be important, as will Diaby's counterattacking abilities. However, in the ironclad defense of Al Nassr, precision will be everything. One second of not concentrating could turn into disaster.

These statistics show a difference in the style of play and confidence levels—Al Nassr have been clinical at both ends, while Al Ittihad's defensive mistakes continue to plague them.

He continues to change the game's definition of longevity. The hunger is still unmatched, and his leadership, discipline, and ability to be ever-reliable in key moments of games are what define Al Nassr. Look for him to lead by example in this one and even add another King's Cup goal to his resume.

Félix is the number 10 player bridging midfield to attack. His positional play and finishing have been elite this season. He dictates play, in addition to just scoring goals.

A warrior in the middle of the park. If Al Ittihad is to stand a chance of being competitive, Kanté must disrupt Al Nassr's rhythm by winning 2nd balls and being a catalyst in transitions.

The French winger's pace could be Al Ittihad's secret weapon. If he can figure out how to capitalize on the space behind Al Nassr's high line, he could be a game changer.

Al Nassr:

• Marcelo Brozović is still out with an injury; however, the rest of the squad is fit.

Al Ittihad:

• No notable injury concerns prior to the match-up.

Predicted Lineups

• Al Nassr (4-4-2): Bento; Yahya, Martínez, Simakan, Boushal; Mané, Al-Khaibari, Hazazi, Coman; Félix, Ronaldo.

• Al Ittihad (4-3-3): Rajkovic; Julaydan, Mousa, Pereira, Simic; Kanté, Fabinho, Aouar; Diaby, Benzema, Bergwijn.

In terms of betting, a match of great value! With Al Nassr on fire and Al Ittihad more inconsistent, the moves in the market are clearly with the home side.

Top Betting Picks:

• Match Result: Al Nassr to Win

• Asian Handicap: Al Nassr -1

• Both teams to score: Yes (likely, based on Al Ittihad's attacking talent)

• Anytime Goal Scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix

Given the balance between attack and defense that Al Nassr displays, combined with Ronaldo’s match-winning mentality, they are the clear-cut favorite. Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Al Ittihad.

Mrsool Park will be the site for more than just a football match, and it will be a battle of champions and contenders, of glory and grit. Al Nassr looks as though they cannot be stopped, but the pride of Al Ittihad will ensure it won’t be a walkover. Whether you are in attendance for the football or to place a strategic bet, this King’s Cup fixture has all the makings of a classic. When the lights shine down in Riyadh, you will expect drama, goals, and moments that will last a lifetime.