Saudi Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Al Nassr to Final, Knocks Out Benzema’s Al Ittihad
- Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of securing his first major trophy with Al-Nassr, with the chance coming as early as Saturday, August 23
- The 40-year-old was instrumental in guiding the Knights of Najd past Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad to reach the Saudi Super Cup final
- Should he triumph, it would be his first official silverware at club level since lifting the Coppa Italia with Juventus in the 2020/21 campaign
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Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive as Al-Nassr secured a hard-earned win over Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The veteran forward did not get on the scoresheet, but his crucial assist set up the winner that booked Al-Nassr’s place in a second consecutive final.
Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo's Al-Nassr pips Benzema and Al-Ittihad to Super Cup final berth
Coming off a near-perfect preseason tour in Europe, the Riyadh giants looked determined to end their trophy drought this season.
They began the clash on the front foot and struck early, with Sadio Mane pouncing in the 10th minute to hand Al-Nassr the lead.
The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just six minutes later, a flowing Ittihad move saw Moussa Diaby tee up Steven Bergwijn, who calmly restored parity.
The game took a dramatic turn midway through the first half.
Mane, the early goalscorer, was shown a straight red after catching the opposing goalkeeper in the stomach while chasing a loose ball, per Athlon Sports.
Suddenly reduced to ten men, Al-Nassr faced an uphill battle. Yet instead of retreating, they regrouped and pressed forward, refusing to let the setback dictate the outcome.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Ronaldo timed his run perfectly to beat Ittihad’s offside trap and raced through on goal.
Rather than going for glory, he unselfishly squared the ball to Joao Felix, who slotted home with confidence in the 61st minute, per Fotmob.
VAR briefly held up celebrations with a lengthy review, but the goal stood, sending the Al-Nassr supporters into raptures.
Moments later, Felix thought he had scored his second, only for the strike to be chalked off following a foul in the build-up.
Source: Getty Images
As the second half wore on, Al-Nassr looked to protect its narrow advantage.
Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman, another summer recruit, were both substituted to preserve energy as Ittihad pushed for an equaliser.
Despite relentless pressure, the Knights of Najd held firm and celebrated a gritty victory against the reigning Saudi Pro League champions.
Which side will Ronaldo's Al-Nassr face in the Super Cup final?
Al-Nassr now turn their attention to Saturday’s final on August 23, where they will face either Al Qadsiyia, surprise performers of last season led by Ghana’s Christopher Bonsu Baah, or continental champions Al Ahli SC.
Victory would hand Ronaldo his first major silverware since moving to Saudi Arabia, a milestone he has chased passionately since joining the club.
Ronaldo reacts after Ballon d'Or snub
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s social media reaction after he was omitted from the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.
For the second consecutive year, both he and his long-time rival Lionel Messi were absent from the final list.
Source: YEN.com.gh
