Saudi Al-Nasr’s Ronaldo Shines Brightly But Sidelined in King’s Cup Thriller
The King’s Cup clash pitted Al-Nasr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, against Al-Ittifaq in a tightly contested 1/8 final. The match was a roller coaster of emotions, with the Portuguese superstar visibly animated as the referee, Piero Mazza, handed a controversial red card to his teammate Ronaldo Talisca. The decision sparked debate among fans and bench staff, while Ronaldo himself remained on the pitch for much of the game, urging his team forward in a tense finale.
Al-Nasr managed to seal the win with a 1-0 scoreline. The decisive moment arrived in the 107th minute when Senegalese forward Sadio Mane found the back of the net, delivering a late but decisive strike for the Saudi powerhouse. Ronaldo’s night, however, did not produce a goal or a decisive contribution, and he spent extended periods on the turf as his side navigated the final stages of extra time.
Looking ahead, Al-Nasr is scheduled to face Al-Khaleej on November 4 in the Saudi Arabian championship. The kickoff is set for 21:00 Moscow time. On the same day, Al-Ittifaq will take on Al-Raed, continuing a busy slate in the league schedule.
Earlier in January, Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nasr was formalized under a contract reported to be worth 200 million euros per year. It was noted that additional bonuses were extended to the player and his family, underscoring the high-profile nature of the transfer and its strategic importance for the club.
In the standings, Al-Nasr sits in second place in the Saudi Pro League, holding 25 points as the season progresses. The team’s performance has been a mix of high-profile signings, tactical shifts, and moments of decisive attacking play as they push toward league glory.