Al Ahli etched their name into Saudi football history on Friday night after defeating bitter rivals Al Nassr in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim the Saudi Super Cup. The Jeddah giants held their nerve on the spot to clinch the title, capping a tense and fiercely contested final that underscored the Kingdom’s growing football rivalry.
A Clash of Saudi Heavyweights
The final, played in front of a raucous capacity crowd, showcased two of Saudi Arabia’s most star-studded teams. Al Nassr, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, entered the game as favourites, while Al Ahli boasted a formidable line-up led by Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié.
The match lived up to its billing, with both sides trading blows but ultimately cancelling each other out. Ronaldo came closest for Al Nassr with a trademark header that was tipped over, while Mahrez forced David Ospina into a fine save at the other end. Despite moments of brilliance, the 90 minutes ended goalless.
Shootout Drama
With the trophy on the line, penalties decided the contest. Al Ahli were flawless from the spot, with Firmino, Kessié, and Mahrez all converting confidently. Al Nassr, however, faltered under pressure, missing two crucial efforts.
The decisive moment arrived when Al Ahli’s goalkeeper produced a stunning save to deny Ronaldo, sparking wild celebrations among the Jeddah faithful.
A Historic Breakthrough
The triumph marks Al Ahli’s first-ever Saudi Super Cup title, a milestone achievement for the club following their high-profile rebuild in recent transfer windows. It also signals a power shift in Saudi football, with Al Ahli now firmly positioning themselves as rivals to Al Nassr and Al Hilal at both domestic and continental levels.
For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, the defeat represents another bitter disappointment in a major final, raising fresh questions about the team’s ability to deliver silverware despite their galaxy of global stars.
Al Ahli, meanwhile, celebrated in style, lifting the trophy amid jubilant scenes as fans hailed what many believe could be the dawn of a new era for the club.
Source – Trendzgh.net
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