Goals and Highlights: Al Nassr (3) 2-2 (5) Al Ahli in Saudi Super Cup Final 2025.
Hong Kong, August 23, 2025 – The Hong Kong Stadium played host to a thrilling Saudi Super Cup final, where Al Ahli emerged victorious over Al Nassr in a dramatic penalty shootout, clinching a 5-3 win after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
The match, marking the first major title of the 2025-26 Saudi football season, saw Cristiano Ronaldo score his 100th goal for Al Nassr, but it was Al Ahli’s resilience and clinical penalty-taking that secured their second Super Cup title, their first since 2016. Below is a comprehensive recap of the match, including goals, highlights, and key moments, as Al Ahli outlasted Al Nassr in a pulsating encounter.
Match Context
The 2025 Saudi Super Cup final, held at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium, was a historic occasion, marking the first time the competition was staged outside the Middle East. Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and coached by Jorge Jesus, qualified for the final after a hard-fought 2-1 semifinal win over Al Ittihad, despite playing with 10 men following Sadio Mané’s red card. Al Ahli, under Matthias Jaissle, secured their spot with a commanding 5-1 victory over Al Quadisiya in the semifinal.
Historically, Al Ahli hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record, with 26 wins to Al Nassr’s 21 in 62 competitive meetings. This was their first-ever clash in the Saudi Super Cup, adding extra intrigue to the fixture. Al Nassr, champions in 2019 and 2020, were chasing their third title, while Al Ahli aimed to repeat their 2016 triumph, when they defeated Al Hilal 4-3 on penalties. The match promised goals, with Al Ahli averaging 1.6 goals per game and Al Nassr 1.35 in their previous encounters.
Teams and Line-ups
Al Nassr (4-2-3-1): Bento; Nawaf Boushal (yellow card 90+3’), Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Ayman Yahya (Ângelo Gabriel 86’); Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Marcelo Brozović (yellow card 53’); Kingsley Coman, João Félix, Wesley (Sultan Al-Ghannam 78’); Cristiano Ronaldo.
Substitutes: Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Salem Al-Najdi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Awad Aman, Ali Al-Hassan, Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa, Mohammed Maran, Meshari Al-Nemer, Saad Haqawi, Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
Manager: Jorge Jesus.
Al Ahli (4-4-2): Édouard Mendy; Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral (yellow card 51’), Roger Ibañez, Matteo Dams (Saad Balobaid 78’); Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié (yellow card 39’), Enzo Millot, Galeno; Firas Al-Buraikan, Ivan Toney (yellow card 12’).
Substitutes: Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi, Abdullah Abdo, Abdulelah Al-Khaibari, Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Sulaiman, Mohammed Yousef, Eid Al-Muwallad, Saleh Aboulshamat, Ziyad Al-Johani, Yaseen Al-Zubaidi, Fahad Al-Rashidi.
Manager: Matthias Jaissle.
Goals:
Al Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo (40’, pen), Marcelo Brozović (35’ second half)
Al Ahli: Franck Kessié (50’ first half), Roger Ibañez (45’ second half)
Penalties: Al Ahli 5-3 Al Nassr (Toney, Kessié, Mahrez, Al-Buraikan, Galeno; Ronaldo, Brozović, Félix, Al-Khaibari miss)
Venue: Hong Kong Stadium (Attendance: 30,240)
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hoaish
Weather: Rainy, 27°C, 84% humidity
First Half: Al Nassr’s Dominance Neutralized by Late Al Ahli Equalizer (1-1)
The opening half saw Al Nassr control possession and create chances, but Al Ahli’s defensive resilience and a late strike kept the game level at halftime.
0’: The match kicks off at 8:00 PM HKT, with Al Nassr in their yellow and blue kit and Al Ahli in green and white. The Hong Kong Stadium is electric with 30,240 fans.
5’: A cautious start from both sides, with Al Nassr holding possession through Marcelo Brozović and João Félix. Al Ahli defend deep, with Merih Demiral and Roger Ibañez thwarting early moves.
10’: Yellow Card (Al Ahli) – Ivan Toney receives a caution for a late challenge on Mohamed Simakan after a wayward cross from Galeno.
15’: Chance for Al Nassr – João Félix sprints down the right, cuts inside, and crosses, but Édouard Mendy intercepts. On the follow-up, Ivan Toney is flagged offside after a low cross from Riyad Mahrez.
20’: Save by Mendy! – Kingsley Coman unleashes a powerful low shot from the edge of the box, but Mendy parries it for a corner. The subsequent corner sees Cristiano Ronaldo attempt a spectacular bicycle kick, which Mendy holds comfortably.
25’: Chance for Al Nassr – A corner from Wesley finds Mohamed Simakan, whose header is caught by Mendy. Al Nassr are pressing but lack a cutting edge.
30’: Yellow Card (Al Nassr) – Wesley is booked for a heavy foul on Pablo Martínez in midfield. The game pauses for a hydration break due to Hong Kong’s humid conditions.
35’: The tempo slows, with Al Nassr dominating possession (60%) but struggling to penetrate Al Ahli’s compact defense.
40’: GOAL! Al Nassr 1-0 Al Ahli (Cristiano Ronaldo, pen) – A breakthrough for Al Nassr! Ayman Yahya’s cross strikes Ali Majrashi’s arm, and referee Mohammed Al-Hoaish awards a penalty after VAR review. Franck Kessié receives a yellow card for dissent. Cristiano Ronaldo steps up and fires into the middle, marking his 100th goal for Al Nassr.
45’: Disallowed Goal (Al Ahli) – Galeno crosses for Ivan Toney, who heads home, but the goal is ruled out for offside after VAR confirmation. Five minutes of stoppage time are added.
50’ (45+5’): GOAL! Al Nassr 1-1 Al Ahli (Franck Kessié) – Al Ahli equalize! A slick move down the left sees Enzo Millot find Franck Kessié at the edge of the box. Kessié controls and fires a low shot into the left corner, beyond Bento’s reach.
Halftime Analysis: Al Nassr dominated possession (62%) and created chances, but Al Ahli’s disciplined defense and counter-attacking threat kept them in the game. Ronaldo’s penalty gave Al Nassr the lead, but Kessié’s late strike ensured a level scoreline. Both teams showed quality, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Second Half: Late Drama Leads to Penalties (2-2)
Al Ahli came out with renewed vigor, while Al Nassr struggled to replicate their first-half dominance. Two late goals set up a thrilling penalty shootout.
46’: The second half begins with no changes for either side. Al Ahli press higher, with Riyad Mahrez and Galeno looking lively.
51’: Yellow Card (Al Ahli) – Merih Demiral is booked for a robust challenge on João Félix in midfield.
53’: Yellow Card (Al Nassr) – Marcelo Brozović receives a caution for halting an Al Ahli counter-attack.
55’: Al Ahli gain momentum, winning consecutive corners through Firas Al-Buraikan and Enzo Millot. Roger Ibañez’s header is cleared by Iñigo Martínez.
60’: The game slows, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Al Ahli hold possession (52%) in the attacking half.
65’: Chance for Al Ahli – Riyad Mahrez receives a pass, cuts inside, and strikes the left post with a curling shot. Al Ahli are growing in confidence.
70’: The match pauses briefly as Franck Kessié receives treatment for a knock but returns to the field.
75’: Substitutions – Al Nassr replace Wesley with Sultan Al-Ghannam, while Al Ahli bring on Saad Balobaid for Matteo Dams.
80’: GOAL! Al Nassr 2-1 Al Ahli (Marcelo Brozović) – Al Nassr regain the lead! Brozović capitalizes on a defensive error by Ali Majrashi, stealing the ball at the edge of the box and rifling a shot into the top left corner, leaving Édouard Mendy with no chance.
86’: Substitution (Al Nassr) – Ayman Yahya, struggling with discomfort, is replaced by Ângelo Gabriel.
89’: GOAL! Al Nassr 2-2 Al Ahli (Roger Ibañez) – Al Ahli equalize late! Riyad Mahrez delivers a pinpoint cross from the left, which bypasses everyone and finds Roger Ibañez at the far post. Ibañez heads home to level the score, sending the match to penalties.
90+3’: Yellow Card (Al Nassr) – Nawaf Boushal is booked for a late challenge.
90+7’: The referee blows the final whistle after a frenetic finish, with the score tied at 2-2. The Saudi Super Cup will be decided by penalties.
Second Half Analysis: Al Ahli’s increased intensity and Mahrez’s creativity shifted the momentum, but Brozović’s stunning strike seemed to tilt the game in Al Nassr’s favor. Ibañez’s late header, however, ensured a penalty shootout, highlighting both teams’ resilience.
Penalty Shootout: Al Ahli Triumph 5-3
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with Al Ahli’s composure proving decisive.
Round 1:
Al Ahli (Ivan Toney): Scores, firing into the right corner. (Al Ahli 1-0)
Al Nassr (Cristiano Ronaldo): Scores, slotting into the right corner. (1-1)
Round 2:
Al Ahli (Franck Kessié): Scores, blasting into the middle. (Al Ahli 2-1)
Al Nassr (Marcelo Brozović): Scores, firing into the left corner despite Mendy guessing correctly. (2-2)
Round 3:
Al Ahli (Riyad Mahrez): Scores, sending a high shot into the left corner. (Al Ahli 3-2)
Al Nassr (João Félix): Scores, striking high into the right corner. (3-3)
Round 4:
Al Ahli (Firas Al-Buraikan): Scores, shooting into the left corner, with Bento diving correctly but unable to save. (Al Ahli 4-3)
Al Nassr (Abdullah Al-Khaibari): Misses! Mendy saves, diving to his right to stop Al-Khaibari’s shot. (Al Ahli 4-3)
Round 5:
Al Ahli (Galeno): Scores, firing into the left corner to clinch the title for Al Ahli! (Al Ahli 5-3)
Penalty Shootout Analysis: Al Ahli’s penalty takers were clinical, with Édouard Mendy’s save on Abdullah Al-Khaibari proving the difference. Al Nassr’s players held their nerve until the crucial miss, handing Al Ahli their second Saudi Super Cup title.
Key Moments and Tactical Insights
Ronaldo’s Milestone: Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty marked his 100th competitive goal for Al Nassr, making him the first player to score 100 goals for four clubs (Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Al Nassr). Despite the loss, his presence was felt throughout.
Al Ahli’s Counter-Attacking Threat: Al Ahli’s 5-4-1 in the first half and 4-4-2 shift in the second allowed Riyad Mahrez and Galeno to exploit spaces on the flanks, with Franck Kessié’s equalizer showcasing their quick transitions.
Brozović’s Brilliance: Marcelo Brozović’s powerful strike restored Al Nassr’s lead, highlighting his importance in midfield. His penalty conversion kept Al Nassr in the shootout.
Mendy’s Heroics: Édouard Mendy’s saves in regular time and the crucial stop in the shootout earned him plaudits as Al Ahli’s hero.
Late Drama: Roger Ibañez’s 89th-minute header was a testament to Al Ahli’s persistence, forcing penalties and shifting momentum.
Tactical Adjustments: Al Ahli’s second-half aggression, led by Matthias Jaissle, countered Al Nassr’s early dominance. Jorge Jesus’ substitutions, particularly Ângelo Gabriel, added flair but couldn’t prevent the late equalizer.
Player Performances
Franck Kessié (Al Ahli): Scored the equalizer and converted his penalty, earning Man of the Match for his all-action display.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr): Scored his 100th goal for Al Nassr and converted his penalty, but couldn’t inspire victory.
Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli): Provided the assist for Ibañez’s goal and scored in the shootout, showcasing his creativity.
Marcelo Brozović (Al Nassr): Scored a stunning goal and penalty, anchoring Al Nassr’s midfield.
Édouard Mendy (Al Ahli): Made crucial saves and stopped Al-Khaibari’s penalty to secure the title.
Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli): Scored the late equalizer, redeeming an earlier defensive lapse.
Statistical Breakdown
Possession: Al Nassr 62%, Al Ahli 38%
Shots: Al Nassr 12 (5 on target), Al Ahli 8 (2 on target)
Corners: Al Nassr 7, Al Ahli 4
Fouls: Al Nassr 9, Al Ahli 13
Yellow Cards: Al Nassr 3 (Wesley 30’, Brozović 53’, Boushal 90+3’), Al Ahli 3 (Toney 12’, Kessié 39’, Demiral 51’)
Passes Completed: Al Nassr 487, Al Ahli 312
Post-Match Reactions
Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli): “We showed heart and belief. The penalties were nerve-wracking, but Mendy was our hero. This is a huge moment for our club.”
Jorge Jesus (Al Nassr): “We dominated for large parts, but football can be cruel. Ronaldo and Brozović were fantastic, but we didn’t take our chances.”
Fans on X: An Al Ahli supporter posted, “Mendy and Ibañez delivered when it mattered! Super Cup champions!” An Al Nassr fan lamented, “Ronaldo deserves a trophy, but Al Ahli were clutch in the shootout.”
What’s Next?
Al Ahli celebrate their second Saudi Super Cup title, boosting their momentum ahead of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, where they’ll face Al Shabab in their opener. Al Nassr, despite the loss, showed quality and will look to regroup for their league campaign against Al Ettifaq. The match underscored the growing competitiveness of Saudi football, with both teams showcasing world-class talent.
Sources:
VAVEL: Goals and Highlights for Al Nassr (3) 2-2 (5) Al Ahli in Saudi Super Cup Match
Al Jazeera: Ronaldo breaks unique record but Al Nassr lose Saudi Super Cup to Al Ahli
Wikipedia: 2025 Saudi Super Cup final
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