Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting a trophy with Al Nassr this season were dashed as his team fell to Al Hilal in a heart-wrenching Saudi King’s Cup final, decided by a penalty shootout in Jeddah.
The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, but Al Hilal triumphed 5-4 on penalties, sealing a league and cup double. The thrilling encounter began with a bang as Aleksandar Mitrovic gave Al Hilal an early lead in the seventh minute.
Al Nassr, determined to equalize, fought back valiantly and found a lifeline through Aiman Yahya’s 88th-minute goal, pushing the game into extra time.
Despite chances on both ends, neither side could break the deadlock in the added minutes, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was inconsolable after the loss. He sank to the turf, overcome with emotion, as teammates and coaching staff attempted to comfort him.
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward was eventually led off the field but continued to be visibly distressed while collecting his runners-up medal.
In the penalty shootout, Ronaldo successfully converted his spot-kick, but Al Hilal’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, emerged as the hero, saving Al Nassr’s final two penalties.
This ensured Al Hilal’s victory and underscored a season of missed opportunities for Ronaldo and Al Nassr. The match was marked by high drama and intensity, including the issuance of three red cards.
Al Nassr’s David Ospina was sent off in the 57th minute, putting his team at a numerical disadvantage for much of the second half.
Late in the game, Al Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulayhi and Kalidou Koulibaly also received red cards, adding to the chaotic nature of the final moments.
For Al Hilal, the victory capped a remarkable season, especially considering the absence of their star Brazilian forward Neymar.
Neymar, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in October and has been sidelined since.
Nonetheless, he was present in the stands to support his team and witness their triumph. Ronaldo’s season with Al Nassr has been tumultuous.
Despite his impressive personal achievements, including a record-breaking 35 goals in his first full Saudi Pro League season, his efforts were not enough to secure silverware for his team.
Al Nassr finished second in the Saudi Pro League and were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League.
Adding to Ronaldo’s challenging season was a suspension in February for making an obscene gesture towards Al Shabab fans who had been taunting him with chants of Lionel Messi’s name.
This incident highlighted the pressure and scrutiny Ronaldo faced in his debut season in Saudi Arabia. As the season concludes, Al Nassr and Ronaldo are left to reflect on their missed opportunities and what could have been.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal celebrates a season of dominance, securing both the league title and the Saudi King’s Cup, solidifying their status as the top team in Saudi Arabian football.