In a tense showdown in Jeddah that concluded 1-1 after additional time, Al-Hilal clinched victory in a penalty shootout, prevailing 5-4.Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, was visibly distraught, collapsing to the bottom earlier than being comforted by his teammates at King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis.
The frustration got here after the conclusion of the Saudi Professional League 4 days in the past, the place Al-Nassr completed second, trailing Al-Hilal by 14 factors. Ronaldo’s particular person achievement of setting a brand new league file with 35 targets offered some solace, but it surely was not sufficient to offset the group’s eager for the championship.
The ultimate match was marked by depth, witnessing two targets and three crimson playing cards. Al-Hilal took an early lead with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header after simply seven minutes. Al-Nassr suffered a setback within the second half when goalkeeper David Ospina was ejected for dealing with the ball exterior the realm.
The drama escalated when Ali Al-Bulaihi of Al-Hilal was additionally despatched off for a headbutt on Sami Al-Najei. Al-Nassr seized the chance, equalizing with Ayman Yahya’s header moments later.
As tensions soared, Al-Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly acquired his second yellow card, decreasing his group to 10 males. After the stalemate in additional time, the destiny of the match was determined by a penalty shootout.
Though each groups missed their preliminary makes an attempt, Ronaldo transformed his penalty. Nevertheless, Al-Hilal emerged victorious as Bounou saved essential penalties from Ali Al-Hassan and Al-Nemer, securing their 11th King’s Cup title.
For Ronaldo and his group, the anticipate silverware continues into the following season.
(With AP inputs)
