Al-Nassr have begun their preparations for the classico against their traditional rivals Al-Ahli in the Roshn League, in the same manner as their neighbours and traditional rivals Al-Hilal, through the AFC Elite Youth League (the Saudi Under-21 League).
The curse of the big matches continued to chase Messi in the Saudi Roshn League, as it will strike him in the next match against Al-Hilal, as happened against Al-Ittihad.
Saudi side Al-Hilal have regained the services of their player after a full nine-month absence, ahead of their clash with Uzbekistan's Navbahor in the AFC Champions League Elite, while uncertainty surrounds the situation of captain Salem Al-Dawsari.
Mehdi Benatia, the Moroccan former sporting director of Olympique de Marseille, launched a scathing attack on the growing influence and power of players in modern football, citing the incident of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso's dismissal from managing Real Madrid last season before he took charge of Chelsea.
Saudi club Al-Nassr has decided to release its Senegalese star Sadio Mane from the team's ranks at the end of the current season, despite the outstanding performances he has delivered with them over the past few years.
Saudi club Al-Ahli have decided to arm themselves with foreign referees for the eagerly awaited Clasico against their traditional rivals Al-Nassr in the Roshn League, following the recent crisis that flared up between the two sides last season.
