Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a first major title with Al-Nassr will have to wait a little longer after the Saudi giants fell to Al-Ahli in a dramatic Saudi Super Cup final earlier today, August 23.
The clash, played in front of a charged crowd, ended 2-2 in regulation time before being settled on penalties. Ronaldo had given Al-Nassr the perfect start by coolly converting from the spot, his 100th goal for the club, sparking wild celebrations from the yellow half of the stadium.
But Al-Ahli were determined not to be overawed. Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessié drew them level before the break, punishing a lapse in Al-Nassr’s midfield.
In the second half, Marcelo Brozović thought he had secured the trophy when his late strike restored Al-Nassr’s lead. Yet, just when victory seemed within reach, Roger Ibañez rose highest to nod home a dramatic equaliser for Al-Ahli.
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the contest went to a tense penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy proved the difference, producing a vital stop from Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s fourth kick.
Moments later, Wenderson Galeno stepped up and buried his effort to hand Al-Ahli their first Super Cup triumph since 2016.
The defeat prolongs Ronaldo’s wait for silverware in Saudi Arabia, despite his personal milestone of being the first player to score at least 100 goals for four different clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, as well as the Portugal National team.
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