Al-Ahli edge Al-Nassr on penalties to win Saudi Super Cup
Published: 24 August 2025, 4:46:48
Al-Ahli players celebrate winning the Saudi Super Cup after overcoming Al-Nassr 5-3 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw in Hong Kong. Photo: X/@ALAHLI_FCEN
Al-Ahli lifted the Saudi Super Cup after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout win over Al-Nassr in Hong Kong on Saturday, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The final was marked by a historic milestone as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal for Al-Nassr, becoming the first player in history to net 100 goals for four different clubs.
The 40-year-old forward, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, added to his remarkable career tally, having scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, and 101 for Juventus. He also remains the highest international scorer of all time, with 138 goals for Portugal.
Al-Nassr had the better of the first half and finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Ali Majrashi handled a cross from Ayman Yahya inside the box. Ronaldo converted the resulting penalty with a powerful strike down the middle.
However, Al-Ahli equalized deep into first-half stoppage time. Enzo Millot found Franck Kessie on the edge of the area, and the Ivorian midfielder curled a superb effort into the far corner — his third goal of the tournament.
Al-Ahli carried their momentum into the second half and nearly took the lead in the 70th minute, but Firas Al-Buraikan squandered a golden chance, hitting the post from six yards out after meeting an Ivan Toney cross.
Al-Nassr reclaimed the lead in the 83rd minute through Marcelo Brozovic, who capitalized on a defensive error from Kessie and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
But just when it seemed the trophy was headed to Al-Nassr, Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez leveled the score in the 89th minute with a powerful header from a corner, sending the game to penalties.
While Ronaldo converted his spot kick, teammate Abdullah Al-Khaibari missed, allowing Al-Ahli to seal a 5-3 shootout win and claim their first Saudi Super Cup title since 2016.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming Saudi Pro League season, which begins on Thursday. Al-Nassr will face Al-Taawoun, while Al-Ahli take on newly-promoted Neom SC.
