Al Ahli Beat Al Nassr On Penalties To Deny Ronaldo First Saudi Trophy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia continues after Al Nassr lost to Al Ahli on penalties in the Saudi Super Cup final on Saturday.

The Portuguese star had given Al Nassr the lead in the 40th minute, converting from the spot after Ali Majrashi was penalised for handball.

Franck Kessié equalised soon after with a well struck effort before Marcelo Brozović restored Al Nassr’s advantage in the second half.

Al Ahli refused to give up and levelled late through Roger Ibanez to force penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in Hong Kong.

In the shootout, Al Ahli held their nerve to win 5-3. Ronaldo, Brozović and Talisca scored for Al Nassr, but a costly miss handed Al Ahli the edge.

It was Al Nassr’s sixth appearance in the Super Cup final, while Al Ahli were making only their second.

The defeat extends Ronaldo’s wait for silverware with the Riyadh club, having also lost the 2023 Saudi Super Cup and the 2023 King’s Cup finals.

Since joining Al Nassr, his only success remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, which is not recognised as an official FIFA title.

For Ronaldo, one of football’s most decorated players, the latest setback underlines the challenge of achieving dominance in Saudi football.