Despite being rivals in Saudi Arabia with Ronaldo, a star player at Al Hilal praises CR7′s contributions in Saudi

Al Nassr and Al Hilal are fierce rivals in Saudi Arabia and have been competing for trophies amongst each other season. Al Hilal got the better of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr this season in the Saudi Pro League as they won the league in convincing fashion. While Al Nassr and Al Hilal are rivals, a star player from the Saudi Pro League champions gave CR7 praise for his contribution to the league. That star player is Ruben Neves, Ronaldo’s teammate in the Portuguese national team. The Al Hilal midfielder acknowledges Ronaldo for bringing the level of the Saudi Pro League to new heights. Neves said, “If you see Cristiano Ronaldo with all his heroics coming here in Saudi Arabia, know that the project is special. When Cristiano enters a project, not only in football, even in life and work, you know that this is a good thing, and I know Cristiano whenever he enters a project, he is successful. Certainly, Cristiano’s arrival here encourages any player to move to the Saudi League.”

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Al Hilal and Al Nassr will face each other for the King’s Cup trophy in the last day of the season and Neves was asked how he feels about facing his countrymen. Neves said, “This is football. We always play against our friends. I remember, for example, that I played in England in front of my best friends. We know that on the field everyone will do what they can for their team and our friendship cannot be confused with football. I think we are all professional enough to do that very well.”

Although Neves and Ronaldo have never played together at club level and are now big rivals in Saudi Arabia, the midfielder mentions that he is still on good terms with CR7. Neves said, “Yes, of course, I have a good relationship with him.” Al Hilal will go for three trophies this season, while Al Nassr could win another trophy over them.

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Al Nassr defeated Al Hilal the last time they faced each other in a cup final

Al Nassr couldn’t beat Al Hilal throughout the season as they lost two times in a Saudi Super Cup semifinal and in a league game and drew one league game. Al Nassr wants revenge and hopes to replicate their performance last summer in the Arab Club Champions Cup final, where Ronaldo scored a brace in the 2-1 win over Al Hilal. Al Hilal did not lose a game this season domestically, and they hope to end the season undefeated domestically.