Cristiano Ronaldo found the net for Al Nassr, but it wasn’t enough as Al Ahli clinched the Saudi Super Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout.
The 2025 Saudi Super Cup final between Al Nassr and Al Ahli delivered a thrilling spectacle filled with goals, drama, and heart-stopping moments. While Cristiano Ronaldo left his mark with a confident penalty, a missed spot-kick from teammate Al Khaibari sealed a heartbreaking defeat for Al Nassr.
First Half: Ronaldo Strikes, Kessie Responds
From the opening whistle, both teams set a fierce tempo. In the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored a spectacular overhead kick that had fans on the edge of their seats — but the strike lacked the power to beat the keeper.
Ronaldo didn’t have to wait long. In the 41st minute, he coolly converted a penalty after Al Nassr were awarded a spot-kick for a handball in the box.
However, Al Nassr’s lead lasted only until the final seconds of the half. In added time (45+6’), Kessie curled a superb shot from just outside the box, leveling the score 1-1 before the break.
Second Half: Late Drama on Both Ends
Both teams maintained intensity in the second half. In the 83rd minute, Marcelo Brozovic fired Al Nassr back into the lead with a well-placed shot following a smooth team move.
But disaster struck in the 89th minute when Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento made a costly error, allowing Ibanez to pounce and equalize 2-2 for Al Ahli — sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Al Khaibari’s Miss Proves Costly
The penalty shootout saw both sides start confidently. Ronaldo converted his effort with composure, but the crucial moment came when Al Khaibari failed to score, becoming the only player on either team to miss from the spot.
Al Ahli capitalized and sealed the shootout with a 5-3 win, lifting the Saudi Super Cup trophy in dramatic fashion.
🏆 Final Score: Al Nassr 2-2 Al Ahli (HT: 1-1)
🎯 Penalties: Al Nassr 3-5 Al Ahli
⚽ Goalscorers:
- Al Nassr :
- Cristiano Ronaldo (41’ – penalty)
- Marcelo Brozovic (83’)
- Al Ahli :
- Franck Kessie (45+6’)
- Roger Ibanez (89’)
📋 Starting Line-ups:
- Al Nassr : Bento, Boushal, Simakan, Inigo, Ayman, Khaibari, Brozovic, Joao Felix, Coman, Wesley, Ronaldo
- Al Ahli : Mendy, Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Dams, Galeno, Kessie, Mahrez, Millot, Albrikan, Toney
🔍 Quick Stats & Trivia:
- ⚽ Ronaldo has scored 7 goals in his last 6 competitive matches for Al Nassr.
- 🏆 Al Ahli win their first Saudi Super Cup in 8 years.
- ❌ Al Nassr have now lost two straight finals via penalty shootout this season.
Sources: 24h
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