Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Karim Benzema: Verified Starting Lineups for the 2025 King Cup of Champions match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad
The King Cup of Champions 2025 Round of 16 between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad is one of the season’s most anticipated games, and football fans everywhere are preparing for it. In addition to being a struggle for survival in Saudi Arabia’s most prominent cup competition, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are facing off in an exciting matchup.
Both teams have plenty to prove when they get to the knockout stage. Al Ittihad is committed to regaining its glory and remaining in the running for several trophies this season, while Al Nassr wants to continue their dominant play in all competitions.
Al Nassr: Ready for a trophy and in peak form
Al Nassr has established themselves as one of the leading candidates in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two following a successful start to the 2025–26 season. Jorge Jesus’ team has recovered admirably with a run of wins after the devastating loss to Al Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final earlier this year.
Al Nassr is currently focused entirely on the King Cup of Champions, which may be their first significant trophy opportunity of the season, after dominating both domestic and continental events.
They have had a strong start to the cup; a comfortable victory against Jeddah in the first round set the stage for a longer cup run. But their character and consistency will be put to the test when they play Al Ittihad, a squad with world-class players and championship experience.
Al Ittihad: Willing to Recover
Coach Sérgio Conceň is leading Al Ittihad through a difficult season full with obligations. In addition to competing in the AFC winners League Elite and defending their domestic crown, the defending league winners are currently struggling to survive in the King Cup of Champions.
Conceň is aware that the team’s confidence and momentum might be destroyed by a loss to Al Nassr. Al Ittihad has the skill and experience to defeat any opponent thanks to players like Fabinho, N’Golo Kanté, and Karim Benzema.
They will now try to exact revenge for their earlier league loss against Al Nassr, a 2-0 setback that cost them vital points and resulted in the dismissal of former coach Laurent Blanc. They advanced to this stage after defeating Al Wehda in the previous round.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Karim Benzema
Verified Lineups: Benzema and Ronaldo Head Their Teams
For this crucial match, both coaches have confirmed that their teams are as strong as they can be. In Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup competition, fans will finally get to see two of the best football players of their time, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, square off.
Al Nassr Verified Lineup
In order to keep Ronaldo fresh for pivotal games, head coach Jorge Jesus has been careful to rotate his key players throughout the season.
The Portuguese superstar is completely fit and prepared for this knockout match, despite not having played in the AFC Champions League Two.
Bento, Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Ayman Yahya, Abdul Al-Khaibari, Angelo Gabriel, Kingsley Coman, João Félix, Sadio Mané, and Cristiano Ronaldo make up Al Nassr’s starting lineup.
Al Nassr’s roster offers explosive offensive performance thanks to Mané’s attacking flair and Félix and Coman’s creative support.
Lineup Confirmed by Al Ittihad
Conversely, in order to keep his team in the tournament, Sérgio Conceň is fielding his top players. Al Ittihad’s lineup appears to be both disciplined and dangerous, with a mix of Saudi talent and European experience.
Predrag Rajković, Ahmed Al-Julaydan, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Mario Mitaj, Roger Fernandes, Houssem Aouar, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, and Karim Benzema make up Al Ittihad’s starting lineup.
As the club attempts to get past Al Nassr’s well-organized defense, Benzema will spearhead the assault with assistance from Diaby and Aouar.
A Legends’ Battle
Ronaldo and Benzema, two legendary football players who formerly shared a locker room at Real Madrid, will square off in the Al Nassr vs. Al Ittihad showdown, which is more than simply a cup match. They are currently leading competing Saudi clubs in what looks to be an intense and emotional match.
Fans can anticipate 90 minutes of intense football, brilliant tactics, and top-notch moments as both teams strive to move on to the quarterfinals.
