Cristiano Ronaldo reached another milestone in his legendary career but was left empty-handed as Al-Nassr fell to Al-Ahli on penalties in a dramatic Saudi Super Cup final that ended 2-2 in regulation time.
A night of highs and heartbreak
From the opening whistle, Jorge Jesus’ Al-Nassr looked intent on delivering Ronaldo his second piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia after last year’s Arab Club Champions Cup triumph.
Wave after wave of attacks came, but poor finishing and the brilliance of Al-Ahli goalkeeper Édouard Mendy kept them at bay.
Ronaldo went close with an acrobatic overhead kick in the 22nd minute, while Wesley and João Félix also spurned good chances.
The breakthrough finally came in the 41st minute when Ali Majrashi handled inside the box, Ronaldo, inevitably, stepped up — coolly slotting down the middle for his 100th goal for Al-Nassr, becoming the first player in history to score 100+ goals for five different clubs and country.
But just before half-time, Franck Kessié struck back with a curling effort from the edge of the box to level matters.
Late drama
The second half was no less dramatic, with eight minutes left, Marcelo Brozović punished Kessié’s error by rifling home what looked like the winner.
Yet Al-Ahli had one final twist in stoppage time, as Roger Ibañez powered in a header from a corner to drag the match into penalties.
In the shootout, Mendy proved the difference; after already denying Ronaldo once in open play, he saved Abdullah Al-Khaibari’s effort to seal the trophy for Al-Ahli.
MVP – Édouard Mendy
The Senegalese goalkeeper was immense, thwarting Al-Nassr’s forwards throughout and standing tall in the decisive shootout, his calm presence and reflex saves made him the clear star of the night.
The big loser – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo could hardly have done more: he scored from the spot twice, tested Mendy repeatedly, and led Al-Nassr’s attack with energy, Yet, despite reaching a remarkable century of goals for the club at age 40, he once again missed out on adding another piece of silverware.
What’s next?
Al-Nassr now turn their attention back to the Saudi Pro League, where they face Al-Taawoun on August 29.
With Ronaldo still chasing glory, the league campaign takes on even greater importance after another painful near-miss.