Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal Set for Saudi Arabian Super Cup Final

In the first semifinal of the Saudi Arabian Super Cup on Wednesday, August 14, Al-Nassr secured their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Al-Taawoun. Al-Nassr took an early lead in the 8th minute when Ayman Yahya scored, assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Early in the second half, Ronaldo doubled the lead with a goal in the 57th minute, ensuring Al-Nassr’s progression to the final. This victory not only highlights Al-Nassr’s strong form but also marks Ronaldo’s 23rd professional season in which he has scored, bringing his career assist tally to 253.

In the other semifinal, Al-Hilal edged out Al-Ahly in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regular time. Al-Ahly initially seemed poised for victory after Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino put them ahead in the 66th minute. However, Al-Hilal’s Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued his team with a stoppage-time equalizer, heading in a cross from Salem Al-Dosari to force the game into penalties.

During the shootout, Al-Hilal triumphed 4-1 after Al-Ahly missed their second and third penalty kicks. Gabri Vega’s shot was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, and Roger Ibanez missed the target entirely, shooting over the crossbar.

Al-Hilal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, made a surprising tactical decision by leaving defender Saud Abdel Hamid on the bench, citing the player’s lack of commitment in training. Hamad Al-Yami was deployed as the right-back instead. Meanwhile, Gabri Vega returned to the pitch for Al-Ahly after a 169-day absence due to injury, but his comeback was overshadowed by Al-Ahly’s disappointing exit from the competition.

The final, scheduled for Saturday, will see Al-Nassr face off against Al-Hilal, with the latter aiming to win the Saudi Arabian Super Cup for the second consecutive year—a feat they have yet to achieve. Al-Hilal’s last title came in 2023 when they defeated Al-Ittihad 4-1. In contrast, Al-Ahly will have to wait another year to attempt to replicate their 2016 success, when they claimed their only Super Cup title by defeating Al-Hilal in a penalty shootout.