Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Edges Al Ittihad 2-1 to Reach Saudi Super Cup Final.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Edges Al Ittihad 2-1 to Reach Saudi Super Cup Final.

Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad Highlights, Saudi Super Cup Semifinal: NAS 2-1 ITT; Ronaldo’s Side Enters Final.
                    The Saudi Super Cup 2025 semifinal at Hong Kong Stadium on August 19, 2025, delivered a thrilling spectacle as Al Nassr edged out Al Ittihad 2-1 in a match defined by intensity, a red card, and moments of individual brilliance.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and inspired by Joao Felix’s heroics, secured a hard-fought victory to advance to the final. This detailed report captures the key moments, tactical battles, and standout performances from a match that showcased the best of Saudi football’s biggest rivalry. Below are the highlights, analysis, and insights from a pulsating encounter.

Match Overview

The clash between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, two of Saudi Arabia’s footballing giants, lived up to its billing as a high-stakes showdown. Al Nassr, under new manager Jorge Jesus, fielded a star-studded lineup featuring new signings Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Inigo Martinez alongside stalwarts Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.

Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions led by Karim Benzema, boasted a formidable squad with N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Steven Bergwijn. Played on neutral ground at Hong Kong Stadium, the match was a test of resilience, with Al Nassr overcoming a first-half red card to Mane to secure their place in the final against the winner of Al Ahli vs. Al Qadsiah.

Final Score: Al Nassr 2-1 Al Ittihad
Goals: Sadio Mane (10’), Steven Bergwijn (16’), Joao Felix (61’)
Key Moment: Sadio Mane’s red card (25’)
Venue: Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Date: August 19, 2025
Streaming: DAZN, SportyTV, SportyTV YouTube Channel
Key Highlights
Pre-Match Build-Up

17:07: Al Nassr’s starting XI was announced: Bento (GK), Boushal, Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya, Al-Khaibari, Brozovic, Joao Felix, Coman, Mane, Ronaldo. The inclusion of new signings Felix, Coman, and Martinez signaled Al Nassr’s intent to dominate with attacking flair and defensive solidity.

17:08: Al Ittihad’s lineup featured Al Shanqiti (GK), M. Al Shanqiti, Almosa, Danilo Pereira, Mitaj, Aouar, Fabinho, Kante, Diaby, Bergwijn, Benzema. The presence of former Real Madrid star Benzema and midfield dynamos Kante and Fabinho set the stage for a blockbuster clash.

17:29: Both teams emerged from the tunnel, with the atmosphere at Hong Kong Stadium electric as fans anticipated a showdown between Ronaldo and Benzema, former Real Madrid teammates.

First Half: A Fiery Start

2’: Al Nassr started brightly, with Ronaldo showcasing his trademark speed to chase a loose ball. The men in yellow pressed high, looking dangerous in the opening exchanges.

5’: Al Ittihad responded with a chance of their own. A poor clearance from Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento gifted the ball to Benzema, who took a snap shot but sent it wide of the post, a let-off for Al Nassr.

10’ – GOAL! Al Nassr 1-0 Al Ittihad (Sadio Mane): Al Nassr broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance. Marcelo Brozovic found space on the right and fizzed a low cross into the box. Sadio Mane met it with a thunderous first-time volley, which Al Ittihad’s young goalkeeper Hamed Al-Shanqiti got a hand to but couldn’t keep out. The goal ignited Al Nassr’s attacking momentum.

14’: The goal energized Al Nassr, with Al-Khaibari making a crucial tackle to thwart an Al Ittihad build-up. Al Nassr’s high press kept the pressure on, but Al Ittihad began to find their footing.

16’ – GOAL! Al Nassr 1-1 Al Ittihad (Steven Bergwijn): Al Ittihad leveled the score with a swift counterattack. Moussa Diaby broke down the left and delivered a pinpoint cutback, which Bergwijn slid in to convert with a low shot past Bento. Despite suspicions of an offside, the goal stood after a VAR check, showcasing Al Ittihad’s clinical edge.

19’: Bergwijn, lively on the left, won a free-kick after being fouled outside the box, but Al Ittihad failed to capitalize, with the set-piece coming to nothing.

20’: Al Nassr nearly regained the lead. A floated cross found Ronaldo, who leapt prodigiously but couldn’t connect cleanly. Kingsley Coman followed up with a volley that sailed over the bar, a missed opportunity for the ten-man side.

24’ – Red Card Check: A pivotal moment arrived as Sadio Mane went for a loose ball but appeared to step on Al Ittihad goalkeeper Al-Shanqiti’s midriff. The referee signaled for a VAR review, raising tensions on the pitch.

25’ – RED CARD!: Mane was shown a straight red card for the foul, leaving Al Nassr with ten men for over an hour of play. Ronaldo’s visible frustration reflected the blow to Al Nassr’s plans.

29’: Al Nassr’s Simakan went down in the box after a push, but no penalty was awarded. He recovered quickly, showing resilience as Al Nassr adjusted to their numerical disadvantage.

33’: The first half-hour was action-packed, with two goals and a red card setting the stage for a gripping contest. Al Nassr faced the challenge of defending with ten men, while Al Ittihad looked to exploit their extra player.

36’: Bergwijn continued to torment Al Nassr’s right flank, winning corners and probing with dangerous crosses. His pace and directness kept Al Nassr’s defense on edge.

40’: Coman showed a flash of brilliance, skipping past two defenders to play Ronaldo through. However, the angle was too tight, and Ronaldo’s powerful shot was saved by Al-Shanqiti. Al Nassr followed up with a flurry of attempts, but Al Ittihad’s defense stood firm in a crowded box.

44’: Coman struggled to make an impact on the right, with his performance described as lackluster aside from the Ronaldo chance. Despite this, Al Nassr created multiple opportunities, showing resilience despite being a man down.

45+3’: Ronaldo’s free-kick, earned after Fabinho fouled Felix, sailed over the crossbar, continuing his struggles from set-pieces.

Half-Time – Al Nassr 1-1 Al Ittihad: The first half ended with the scores level, Mane’s red card giving Al Ittihad a slight edge heading into the break. Al Nassr’s attacking intent, led by Ronaldo and Felix, kept them in the game despite the setback.

Second Half: Al Nassr’s Resilience Shines

46’: Al Nassr kicked off the second half, attacking from left to right, determined to overcome their numerical disadvantage.

48’: Al Nassr created an early chance as Brozovic’s corner found Simakan, whose looping header narrowly missed the target. The ten-man side showed no signs of sitting back.

52’: Al Ittihad dominated possession, making inroads through the flanks, particularly via Bergwijn and Diaby. However, Al Nassr’s defense, led by Inigo Martinez, held firm.

57’: A defensive lapse saw a back pass nearly fall to Benzema, but Bento’s quick reaction cleared the danger. Al Nassr’s backline was under pressure but remained composed.

58’: Ronaldo connected with a cutback inside the box but failed to hit the target, showing visible frustration as Al Nassr pushed for the lead.

61’ – GOAL! Al Nassr 2-1 Al Ittihad (Joao Felix): The turning point came as Ronaldo sprung the offside trap and unselfishly squared the ball to Joao Felix, who slotted past Al-Shanqiti. After a VAR check for offside, the goal stood, sending Ronaldo racing to the dugout in celebration and Felix beaming with confidence. Al Nassr, despite being a man down, took the lead.

66’ – Disallowed Goal: Felix thought he had scored again, lacing a shot into the net, but VAR intervened, ruling out the goal due to a foul by Ronaldo on Fabinho in the build-up. The decision kept Al Ittihad in the game.

75’: Al Nassr continued to dominate, with Felix running the show in midfield. Al Ittihad struggled to create clear chances, with Benzema and Bergwijn unable to break through.

85’: Al Nassr pressed for a third goal to seal the match, with Ronaldo and Felix combining well. Al Ittihad’s attacks lacked conviction, failing to capitalize on their extra man.

90’: Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, with tensions rising as players from both sides engaged in pushing and shoving. Al Ittihad pushed for an equalizer, but Al Nassr’s defense stood resolute.

Full-Time – Al Nassr 2-1 Al Ittihad: Al Nassr held firm through eight minutes of stoppage time, securing a superb victory. Joao Felix emerged as the hero, with Ronaldo’s assist proving decisive. Al Ittihad’s lackluster second-half performance drew criticism, as they failed to press home their numerical advantage.

Tactical Analysis
Al Nassr’s Resilience

Al Nassr’s game plan under Jorge Jesus revolved around high pressing and quick transitions, leveraging the attacking talents of Ronaldo, Mane, Felix, and Coman. Mane’s early goal set the tone, but his red card forced a tactical shift. Jesus adjusted by dropping Felix into a deeper role, allowing Al Nassr to maintain attacking threat while tightening defensively.

Inigo Martinez and Simakan were colossal at the back, executing a high defensive line that caught Benzema offside multiple times. Brozovic’s composure in midfield, completing 88% of his passes, was crucial in maintaining control despite the numerical disadvantage. Ronaldo’s work rate and unselfish assist for Felix’s winner highlighted his leadership, while Felix’s versatility shone through in both attack and midfield.

Al Ittihad’s Missed Opportunity

Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, started with a balanced 4-2-3-1, relying on Kante and Fabinho to control the midfield while Bergwijn and Diaby stretched the flanks. Bergwijn’s goal showcased their counterattacking threat, but the team struggled to capitalize on Mane’s red card. Benzema, despite early promise, was isolated in the second half, with Al Nassr’s compact defense neutralizing his influence. Al Ittihad’s 87% pass accuracy in the first half dropped to 79% in the second, reflecting their inability to break down Al Nassr’s resolute backline. Their lack of urgency after halftime was a critical factor in their defeat.

Key Stats

Possession: Al Ittihad 54%, Al Nassr 46%

Shots: Al Nassr 12 (4 on target), Al Ittihad 9 (3 on target)

Pass Accuracy: Al Nassr 84%, Al Ittihad 82%

Duels Won: Al Nassr 48%, Al Ittihad 52%

Corners: Al Nassr 5, Al Ittihad 4

xG (Expected Goals): Al Nassr 1.8, Al Ittihad 1.2
Player Ratings
Al Nassr

Bento (GK) – 7/10: Shaky early clearance to Benzema, but recovered with crucial interventions, including a vital clearance in the 57th minute.

Boushal – 6.5/10: Solid defensively but limited going forward after Mane’s red card.

Simakan – 7.5/10: Impressive in duels (5/6 won) and nearly scored with a header.

Inigo Martinez – 8/10: Commanded the backline with authority, neutralizing Benzema.

Ayman Yahya – 7/10: Worked tirelessly on the left, supporting both defense and attack.

Al-Khaibari – 7/10: Key tackles, including one at 14’, helped Al Nassr stay compact.

Brozovic – 8/10: Dictated play with 88% pass accuracy and provided the assist for Mane’s goal.

Joao Felix – 9/10: Man of the Match. Scored the winner, created chances, and thrived in a deeper role post-red card.

Kingsley Coman – 6/10: Struggled to impact the game consistently, though his pass to Ronaldo at 40’ was a highlight.

Sadio Mane – 6.5/10: Scored a stunning volley but his red card changed the game’s dynamics.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 8/10: Tireless work rate, provided the decisive assist for Felix, though missed a few chances.

Al Ittihad

Hamed Al-Shanqiti (GK) – 6/10: Couldn’t stop Mane’s volley and was unfortunate on Felix’s goal.

M. Al Shanqiti – 6.5/10: Decent defensively but struggled against Felix’s movement.

Almosa – 6/10: Solid but exposed during Al Nassr’s quick transitions.

Danilo Pereira – 6.5/10: Held the backline but couldn’t stop Felix’s run for the winner.

Mitaj – 6.5/10: Provided width but lacked end product.

Fabinho – 6.5/10: Booked for fouling Felix; struggled to control midfield in the second half.

N’Golo Kante – 7/10: Tireless in midfield but lacked support to dominate.

Houssem Aouar – 6.5/10: Faded after a bright start, unable to create clear chances.

Moussa Diaby – 7.5/10: Provided the assist for Bergwijn’s goal and was a constant threat.

Steven Bergwijn – 8/10: Scored the equalizer and was Al Ittihad’s biggest threat on the left.

Karim Benzema – 6.5/10: Missed an early chance and was well-marshaled by Martinez in the second half.

Key Moments

10’: Sadio Mane’s volley from Brozovic’s cross gave Al Nassr an early lead, setting the tone for an attacking first half.

16’: Steven Bergwijn’s equalizer, assisted by Diaby, showcased Al Ittihad’s counterattacking prowess.

25’: Mane’s red card for a foul on Al-Shanqiti shifted the momentum, forcing Al Nassr to adapt.

61’: Joao Felix’s goal, assisted by Ronaldo, restored Al Nassr’s lead after a VAR check, proving to be the decisive moment.

66’: Felix’s second goal was disallowed due to Ronaldo’s foul, keeping Al Ittihad in the game.

90+7’: Al Nassr held firm through eight minutes of stoppage time, with Inigo Martinez and Bento thwarting Al Ittihad’s late push.

Post-Match Reactions

Jorge Jesus (Al Nassr Manager): “A wonderful win, deserved, despite playing 70 minutes with a man down in high humidity. The boys showed great character.”

Cristiano Ronaldo (via X): Al Nassr’s official account posted, “The yellow is one and only 🟡 Not a follower, nor colored by anyone else 👌,” hinting at Ronaldo’s leadership and the team’s resilience.

Laurent Blanc (Al Ittihad Manager): Reportedly disappointed with his team’s second-half performance, noting their failure to capitalize on the extra man.
Al Nassr’s 2-1 victory over Al Ittihad was a testament to their grit and tactical adaptability.

Despite Sadio Mane’s early red card, Joao Felix’s match-winning goal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s selfless assist showcased the team’s depth and determination. Al Ittihad, despite a bright start and Steven Bergwijn’s equalizer, faltered in the second half, unable to breach Al Nassr’s resolute defense.

The win propels Al Nassr into the Saudi Super Cup final on August 23, 2025, where they will face the winner of Al Ahli vs. Al Qadsiah. For Ronaldo and his teammates, this victory is a statement of intent as they aim to end their Super Cup title drought. For Al Ittihad, it’s a missed opportunity to assert their dominance, leaving them to regroup for the Saudi Pro League campaign.