Cristiano Ronaldo Shines as Al-Nassr Secures Spot in Saudi Super Cup Final with 2-0 Victory
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/15th August 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Al-Nassr FC’s 2-0 victory over Al-Taawoun FC, propelling his team into the Saudi Super Cup final. The match, held on August 14 at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, saw Al-Nassr establish their dominance early on and secure their place in the championship clash against Al-Hilal.
The game began with Ayman Yahya giving Al-Nassr an early lead just eight minutes into the match. His goal set the tone for a dominant performance by the Knights of Najd. Ronaldo, who has been a key figure for Al-Nassr, added to their advantage in the 57th minute, scoring his first goal of the 2024/25 season. This goal was instrumental in solidifying Al-Nassr’s position and sealing their victory.
The match was a high-intensity affair with both teams displaying aggressive play. Each side managed to register sixteen shots, illustrating the competitive nature of the encounter. However, Al-Taawoun’s chances of staging a comeback were further diminished when Marcelo Brozovič received a red card in the 90+3rd minute, leaving his team with a numerical disadvantage in the dying moments of the game.
Ronaldo’s performance was particularly notable as it marked his first goal of the season, adding to the excitement of his supporters. Following the match, Ronaldo took to Twitter to share celebratory moments with his teammates, reflecting the joy and significance of the win.
Looking ahead, Al-Nassr is set to face Al-Hilal in the final scheduled for August 17. Al-Hilal, who emerged as the champions in the previous season’s Super Cup, had previously outperformed Luis Castro’s Al-Nassr squad in both the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup final. The upcoming final presents a significant challenge for Al-Nassr as they seek redemption and a change in fortunes from the previous season.
In last year’s Super Cup semi-finals, Al-Nassr faced a 2-1 defeat against Al-Hilal. Despite a late goal by Sadio Mane in added time, it was not enough to overturn the deficit created by goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcolm. This year, Al-Nassr is determined to achieve a different result and claim the title.
Al-Hilal, who advanced to the final after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Al-Ahli Saudi following a 1-1 draw, will be a formidable opponent. The stage is set for a thrilling final as both teams prepare to battle it out for the prestigious Saudi Super Cup trophy.
