Al-Nassr secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal, booking their place in the final after a night full of goals, a red card, and relentless footballing drama. The clash between two of Saudi Arabia’s most decorated clubs lived up to the hype, offering fans ninety minutes of pure excitement.
Al-Nassr Strike First with Mané’s Early Goal
The game started at a furious pace, with both sides showing attacking intent from the very first whistle. Al-Nassr looked sharper in possession, pressing high up the pitch and forcing Al-Ittihad’s defenders into uncomfortable positions. Their early pressure paid off in the 10th minute when Sadio Mané found space inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Al-Nassr the lead.
The Senegalese forward celebrated passionately, and the goal underlined his growing importance to Al-Nassr. His link-up play with João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo created constant threats in the opening stages. At that point, it looked like Al-Nassr would dominate the match with ease.
Al-Ittihad Respond with Bergwijn’s Equalizer
Al-Ittihad refused to let the early setback demoralize them. Just six minutes later, in the 16th minute, Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn leveled the score with a powerful finish. His goal came after a slick attacking move, and it proved that Al-Ittihad were not going to sit back.
The equalizer restored balance and fueled Al-Ittihad’s confidence. They started moving the ball more freely through midfield and created chances down both flanks. The contest became more open, with both teams trading attacks and testing each other’s defenses.
Mané Sent Off after 25 Minutes
The match took a dramatic turn in the 25th minute when Sadio Mané, the opening goal scorer, received a straight red card. The referee judged his challenge to be reckless, and Al-Nassr were suddenly reduced to ten men.
For Al-Nassr fans, the red card was a moment of shock. Losing their star forward so early in the game created a daunting challenge, especially against a side like Al-Ittihad, known for their attacking firepower. Many expected Al-Ittihad to take full advantage of their numerical superiority, but the reality turned out differently.
João Félix Fires Al-Nassr Ahead Again
Despite being a man down, Al-Nassr showed resilience and tactical discipline. They reorganized quickly, dropping into a more compact shape while waiting for the right moment to counterattack. Cristiano Ronaldo took on a deeper role, guiding his teammates and keeping the forward line active even with reduced numbers.
The breakthrough came in the 61st minute. João Félix, who had been lively throughout the game, produced a moment of brilliance. After receiving the ball near the edge of the box, the Portuguese forward unleashed a precise shot into the back of the net, restoring Al-Nassr’s lead.
The stadium erupted in celebration. Félix’s goal not only put Al-Nassr back in control but also gave them the belief that they could hold on and win despite being a man down.
Al Nassr is Hopeful in Saudi Super Cup Final
Al-Nassr now advance to the Saudi Super Cup final, where they will face another top rival. The victory over Al-Ittihad gives them momentum and confidence heading into the title clash. Fans will expect Cristiano Ronaldo to step up in the final, while João Félix’s performance suggests he could play a decisive role again.
Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their focus will shift back to the Saudi Pro League and continental competitions, but this loss will sting. The team must find a way to improve their finishing and capitalize on key opportunities in future big matches.
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