Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. at Al Nassr Defeat Al Ittihad to Reach Saudi Super Cup Final

Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images

Al Nassr booked their place in the Saudi Super Cup final after edging Al Ittihad 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium. Despite being reduced to 10 men midway through the first half, the Riyadh giants showed resilience and quality to seal the win.

Thus, moving Cristiano Ronaldo one step closer to his first trophy with the club. The match began with high intensity, and it was Sadio Mane who gave Al Nassr the lead after just 10 minutes. Marcelo Brozovic’s cross found the Senegalese forward.

The stadium explodes, the Yellow celebrates 💛🔥 pic.twitter.com/jmwSzJ8kU3
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 19, 2025

He then produced an acrobatic volley past the opposition goalkeeper Hamed Al-Shanqiti. But the advantage lasted only six minutes, as Mario Mitaj drove down the flank and set up Moussa Diaby. He then teed up Steven Bergwijn to equalize for Al Ittihad.

Sadio Mane Red Card Changed the Game

The turning point came in the 25th minute when Mane was shown a straight red card for an apparent stamp on Al Ittihad’s goalkeeper. VAR upheld the decision. This left Al Nassr to play the remainder of the game with 10 men. The setback could have undone Jorge Jesus’ side.

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However, it rather galvanized them instead. Al Ittihad dominated possession and pushed forward, but clear-cut chances remained limited. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo grew into the contest. He proved instrumental in the decisive moment just after the hour mark. The 40-year-old broke free down the right.

Then instead of going for goal himself, squared unselfishly to his compatriot Joao Felix, who calmly slotted home for 2-1 on his debut. Felix nearly doubled his tally minutes later with a thunderous strike. However, it was then ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. He later hit the post after rounding the keeper, but his earlier goal stood as the winner.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Pursuit of First Al Nassr Trophy

The win means Al Nassr will now face the winner of Al Qadsiah versus Al Ahli in Saturday’s final. Should they win that final, it would mark the club’s first Saudi Super Cup since 2020. It would be Ronaldo’s long-awaited first piece of silverware since joining the team in December 2022.

With 35 goals across competitions this season, Ronaldo has been prolific. Now his assist against Al Ittihad was a display of his team contribution. For Al Nassr, surviving a man disadvantage and defeating their fierce rivals has boosted belief ahead of the final. This could finally be the season Ronaldo lifts a trophy in Saudi Arabia.

Al Ittihad

Al Nassr

Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad

Cristiano Ronaldo

Saudi Super Cup

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.