Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al Nassr team faced a crushing defeat in the 2024 Saudi Super Cup final as they lost 4-1 to Al Hilal on Saturday. The highly anticipated match, held at a packed stadium, ended in disappointment for Ronaldo and his teammates, who could not match the intensity and precision of their rivals in the crucial moments.
The match started with high expectations, especially for Al Nassr, who had been banking on their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, to lead them to victory. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance but failing to break the deadlock. As the clock ticked down in the first half, it seemed that the teams would head into the interval on equal footing.
However, just before the halftime whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to put Al Nassr on the scoreboard. The Portuguese superstar found the back of the net with a well-timed strike, giving his team a 1-0 lead as they headed into the break. The goal sparked hope among Al Nassr’s supporters, who believed that their team could hold onto the lead and secure the coveted trophy.
But the optimism was short-lived. Al Hilal, determined to defend their title, came out in the second half with renewed energy and a clear game plan. Their aggression and attacking prowess quickly turned the tide of the match, leaving Al Nassr struggling to keep up.
Just a few minutes into the second half, Al Hilal’s Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic equalized with a powerful header, sending a wave of excitement through the Al Hilal fans. The goal was a turning point in the match, as it visibly shook Al Nassr’s confidence.
Eight minutes later, Al Hilal struck again. This time it was Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrović who found the net, putting his team ahead with a clinical finish. Mitrović, who has been in fine form throughout the season, showcased his skill and composure in front of goal, leaving Al Nassr’s defense scrambling.
As the match progressed, Al Hilal continued to dominate, and it was clear that they were in control. Mitrović struck once more, securing his brace and effectively sealing the fate of the match. His second goal was a masterclass in positioning and timing, as he capitalized on a defensive lapse by Al Nassr to score from close range.
Ronaldo and his teammates appeared increasingly frustrated as they struggled to mount a comeback. Despite their best efforts, they could not find a way past Al Hilal’s solid defense, and their attacking play lacked the sharpness needed to break down their opponents.
In the 69th minute, Brazilian winger Malcolm added to Al Hilal’s tally, scoring the fourth and final goal of the match. His goal was the final nail in the coffin for Al Nassr, as it dashed any remaining hopes of a comeback. Malcolm’s strike was a testament to Al Hilal’s attacking depth, as the team demonstrated their ability to score from multiple sources.
The remainder of the match saw Al Nassr desperately trying to claw their way back, but Al Hilal’s defense held firm. As the final whistle blew, Al Hilal celebrated their victory, having successfully defended their Saudi Super Cup title for the second consecutive year. This win also marked their fifth overall Super Cup triumph, three more than Al Nassr, solidifying their status as one of the top clubs in Saudi football.
For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The team had come so close to glory but fell short when it mattered most. Ronaldo, who had been instrumental in getting his team to the final, was left to reflect on what could have been. Despite his first-half goal, he and his teammates could not prevent Al Hilal from overpowering them in the second half.
Al Hilal’s victory was a result of their tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and ability to capitalize on their chances. They outclassed Al Nassr in key moments and deservedly lifted the trophy. Their back-to-back Super Cup titles and overall dominance in the competition underscore their place at the pinnacle of Saudi football.
As Al Hilal celebrated, Al Nassr was left to regroup and look ahead to the rest of the season. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final was a reminder that even the greatest players cannot always guarantee success. However, with his determination and experience, Ronaldo will no doubt use this setback as motivation to push his team forward in their quest for future glory.
