Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores opener for Al Nassr in Saudi Super Cup final vs Al Ahli

This Saturday, Al Nassr lost on penalties in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al Ahli. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal for his team just before halftime, converting a penalty. However, moments later, Franck Kessie equalized for Al Ahli. In the second half, Marcelo Brozovic put Al Nassr back in front, but Roger Ibañez once again leveled the score. In the penalty shootout, Al Ahli came out on top and claimed the title.

After two and a half years in Saudi Arabia, CR7 was presented with a golden opportunity to win his first official title with Al Nassr. Since his arrival, he had played in two finals—the 2023–24 King’s Cup and the 2024 Saudi Super Cup—but lost both times to Al Hilal. This time, in his third attempt, the Portuguese forward was hoping for a different outcome, but it wasn’t meant to be.

The additions to Al Nassr’s roster this summer—particularly Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Iñigo Martinez—have made them strong favorites to dominate Saudi Arabian soccer this season. However, that dominance wasn’t fully on display in the match against Al Ahli.

Overall, the match was evenly contested, with both teams sharing possession and creating chances to score. In this context, a handball inside the box by Ali Majrashi in the 40th minute gave Ronaldo the chance to open the scoring. The Portuguese striker made no mistake, converting with a precise right-footed shot.

Al Nassr’s joy was short-lived

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal put Al Nassr in the lead, a key moment in their pursuit of the Saudi Super Cup title. However, that joy was short-lived, as in the following minutes, Al Ahli seized control and put their rivals under pressure, eventually finding the equalizer.

The first chance came for Ivan Toney, who received a cross and headed the ball into the net. However, the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. That didn’t discourage Matthias Jaissle’s team, though, as shortly after, they leveled the score. Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie unleashed a shot that took a slight deflection off a defender before nestling into the far post.

Al Nassr fall short of the title

With the score tied at 1-1, the second half was filled with moments of tension. Al Ahli came close to finding the decisive goal when a shot hit the post, leaving goalkeeper Bento with no chance to save it. However, Al Nassr held strong, and toward the end of the match, they were rewarded.

In the 82nd minute, Kessie attempted to dribble near his own box, only to be challenged by Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder expertly won the ball, finding himself in a prime position to score. He showed composure, leaving a defender trailing before finishing with precision to give Al Nassr a 2-1 lead.

Just like in the first half, Al Ahli responded immediately and leveled the score. From a corner kick, Roger Ibañez scored the equalizer with a header, following a mistake by goalkeeper Bento. That blow proved decisive in the final outcome, as no more goals were scored and the match was decided in a penalty shootout—where Al Ahli claimed the trophy.