Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr overcame a red card and a gritty comeback attempt to secure a 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Tuesday, advancing to the final despite playing more than half the match with 10 men before a raucous crowd of over 30,600 at Hong Kong Stadium.
The win sets up Al-Nassr for a shot at the trophy, highlighting their resilience in a contest marked by VAR drama, missed chances and Ronaldo’s tireless performance.
Al-Nassr struck first in the 10th minute when Sadio Mané volleyed in a pinpoint cross from Marcelo Brozovi?, giving the yellow-clad side an early edge. But Al-Ittihad leveled just five minutes later, as Steven Bergwijn capitalized on a swift counter to slot home the equalizer.
The tide shifted dramatically in the 24th minute. Mané, after a VAR review, was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Al-Ittihad’s goalkeeper, leaving Al-Nassr short-handed for the remainder of the game.
Undeterred, Al-Nassr dominated possession in the second half. Ronaldo, the 40-year-old Portuguese star, was at the heart of their attacks, heading one chance wide and forcing several sharp saves from the opposition keeper.
The decisive moment arrived in the 60th minute. Ronaldo appeared offside as he broke through, but VAR intervened to rule him onside, allowing him to square the ball for João Félix, who tapped in from close range to restore Al-Nassr’s lead.
Félix nearly doubled his tally five minutes later, but the goal was chalked off after officials spotted a foul by Ronaldo in the buildup.
Al-Nassr kept pressing. In the 71st minute, Félix rounded the keeper only to see his effort cannon off the post. Al-Ittihad mounted late pressure, but Al-Nassr’s defense held firm, managing the clock effectively through the closing stages.
Ronaldo, who had been a constant threat, was substituted in the 90th minute to a standing ovation from the fans, capping a hard-earned triumph that propels Al-Nassr into Sunday’s final.
