Saudi Super Cup Kicks Off in Hong Kong: Ronaldo Assists as Al Nassr Defeats Al Ittihad 2-1 to Reach Final

 Early on the morning of August 19 U.S. Eastern Time (the evening of August 19 local time in Hong Kong), the Saudi Super Cup made its historic debut at Hong Kong Stadium, attracting football fans from across the globe. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr secured a 2-1 victory over Al Ittihad in the first semifinal, earning a spot in the championship match. The event drew 30,653 spectators, many wearing Ronaldo jerseys, creating a lively and passionate atmosphere.

Al Nassr took an early lead just ten minutes into the game. Marcelo Brozović delivered a precise cross from the left flank, which Sadio Mané met with a clinical finish, putting Al Nassr ahead 1-0. The goal highlighted Al Nassr’s attacking organization and the growing synergy among its international stars, reflecting the club’s strategic improvements after acquiring top-level talent.

However, Al Ittihad responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, forward Abderrazak Hamdallah drew the goalkeeper out of position and delivered a clever pass to teammate Steven Bergwijn, who calmly finished to level the score at 1-1. This swift equalizer showcased Al Ittihad’s attacking capability under pressure and maintained a tense, competitive atmosphere, exciting fans on both sides.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 25th minute when Mané inadvertently stepped on the Al Ittihad goalkeeper’s abdomen during an attacking play and received a straight red card. Forced to play with ten men for the remainder of the match, Al Nassr faced a significant challenge. The red card also sparked discussions post-match, with many debating whether it influenced the flow of the game and how effectively Al Nassr adapted its tactics. Nevertheless, the team maintained high-pressure defense and carefully controlled the pace.

The second half continued with high intensity. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo demonstrated his world-class value by orchestrating a key play and delivering a precise assist to João Félix, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, restoring Al Nassr’s lead at 2-1. This goal underscored Ronaldo’s playmaking ability and the team’s resilience, even when a player down. Al Ittihad pushed hard in response, but they could not break through again, and the match ended with Al Nassr holding onto their 2-1 advantage to secure a spot in the final.

This match marked the first time the Saudi Super Cup was held in Hong Kong, part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to globalize its football presence. In recent years, the Saudi league has actively pursued internationalization, bringing in top players like Ronaldo and Mané while expanding overseas events to increase visibility in Asia and worldwide. Choosing Hong Kong as the venue not only boosts the profile of the Super Cup but also strengthens connections with Asian football markets, laying a foundation for future global promotion of Saudi football.

Fan reactions were enthusiastic. Many supporters queued early to secure seats, cheering loudly for Ronaldo, Mané, and other star players. On social media, discussions about the match were lively, with fans praising Al Nassr’s ability to win despite being a player short, highlighting the team’s tactical strength and mental resilience. Every touch by Ronaldo drew cheers from the crowd, inspiring young fans and showcasing the excitement of international football.

This edition of the Saudi Super Cup features four teams. The second semifinal will take place on the evening of August 20 local time in Hong Kong (morning of August 20 U.S. Eastern Time), with Al Ahli facing Al Qadsiah. The winner will meet Al Nassr in the final on August 23 (morning of August 23 U.S. Eastern Time). This tournament is not only a sporting contest but also a key platform for Saudi football to demonstrate its strength on the global stage.

Overall, the highlights of this match extend beyond exciting goals and tense gameplay. It illustrates Saudi Arabia’s strategic use of international tournaments to build its football brand and promote the sport globally. Ronaldo’s presence, as one of the world’s most influential footballers, significantly boosted attention on the match, drawing international audiences and strengthening Saudi football’s visibility. With more top international players joining the league and additional overseas events planned, Saudi football is poised to achieve even greater recognition on the global stage.