Al-Nassr Beats Al-Ittihad 2-1 to Reach Saudi Super Cup Final

Semifinal showdown in Riyadh

On a scorching evening at the King Saud University Stadium, two of Saudi Arabia’s heavyweights squared off for a place in the Saudi Super Cup final. Al-Nassr entered the pitch hungry for silverware, while Al-Ittihad, fresh from a strong league run, were determined to pull off an upset. From the whistle, the tempo was high, with both coaches pressing their squads to dominate possession.

Al-Nassr’s attacking spark came early, driven by the ever‑present Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend hovered around the box, pulling defenders and creating space for the likes of S. Al-Mousa and F. Al‑Ghamdi. A well‑timed run set up the opening goal, which came from a low cross that slipped past the Ittihad keeper.

Al‑Ittihad responded with vigor, pressing high and forcing a few dangerous chances. Their efforts were capped by a yellow card for Fabinho in the 45+1 minute, a reminder of the physical nature of the contest. The half‑time break saw the scores level, but the subtle shift in tactics hinted at what the second half would bring.

The second half opened with Al‑Nassr looking to reclaim the lead. A swift counter‑attack resulted in the second goal, putting them ahead 2-1. The goal was a product of precise finishing, showcasing why the team has been praised for its clinical edge this season.

Discipline flared as the game wore on. Al‑Ittihad accumulated three yellow cards, while Al‑Nassr picked up two. The fouls and bookings underscored the intensity—players were not shy about making hard challenges for every ball.

Coaches turned to their benches in the closing minutes, hoping fresh legs could tip the balance. Al‑Ittihad’s substitutions came in quick succession:

• S. Alganham for A. Yahya (80')
• A. Al‑Oboud for S. Bergwijn (81')
• U. Lorenzo for M. Diaby (82')

Meanwhile, Al‑Nassr made two crucial changes:

• F. Al‑Ghamdi for S. Al‑Mousa (89')
• A. Al‑Hassan for A. Al Khaibari (90')

These moves injected a little extra energy but did little to alter the scoreline. The Ittihad side kept pressing, rattling the Al‑Nassr defense with a couple of late shots that forced the keeper into a series of dramatic saves.

Ronaldo, who had been a constant threat, was finally subbed off in the 90+1 minute for Angelo Gabriel. Even in his final minutes, the star’s presence kept the Ittihad backline on edge, aware that a single lapse could level the match.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 2-1 in favor of Al-Nassr. The result punches their ticket to the Saudi Super Cup final, where they will aim to add another trophy to an already impressive haul this year. For Al‑Ittihad, the narrow defeat serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate victory from heartbreak in knockout football.