In an electrifying Saudi Super Cup final, Al-Ahli clinched a historic 5-3 victory over Al-Nassr in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Hong Kong Stadium. The match, defined by high drama and standout performances, saw Al-Ahli end their nine-year trophy drought, securing their second Super Cup title and denying Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr a third.
Match Highlights
The game kicked off at 5:30 PM IST (12:00 PM UTC) with both teams displaying attacking flair. Al-Nassr, coached by Jorge Jesus, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Ronaldo, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman leading the line, while Al-Ahli, under Matthias Jaissle, relied on Riyad Mahrez’s creativity and Ivan Toney’s finishing.
Key Moments and Performances
Despite Sadio Mané’s absence due to a suspension from the semifinal against Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr showed resilience, with Ronaldo’s leadership and Brozovic’s midfield control earning praise. For Al-Ahli, Edouard Mendy’s crucial save in the shootout and Mahrez’s playmaking were pivotal.
The victory marked Al-Ahli’s second Saudi Super Cup title (2016, 2025), ending a nine-year wait for silverware. Al-Nassr, who won in 2019 and 2020, missed out on their third title. Historically, Al-Ahli hold a slight edge in 72 head-to-head meetings (29 wins to Al-Nassr’s 28), but Al-Nassr had been unbeaten in their last seven encounters until this defeat.
Al-Nassr will look to bounce back in their Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Taawoun on August 29, while Al-Ahli, buoyed by their Super Cup triumph, aim to build on their AFC Champions League success in the 2025-26 season. Both teams remain strong contenders for the league title.
This unforgettable final showcased the intensity and star power of Saudi football, with Al-Ahli’s penalty shootout heroics etching their name into the history books.