Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut in the Saudi Super Cup turned sour after the Al-Nassr forward received a straight red card in their 2-1 semi-final defeat by Al-Hilal.
Controversial Dismissal
The 39-year-old was sent off in the 86th minute for what appeared to be an elbow to the chest of Ali Al Bulayhi. The Portugal international reacted by raising his hand towards the referee as he left the pitch. This marks Ronaldo’s first red card since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022.
Disadvantage and Defeat
Al-Nassr were already trailing 2-0 thanks to goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom. Although Sadio Mane managed a consolation goal in stoppage time for Al-Nassr, it wasn’t enough to salvage the game.
Final Match Up
Three-time champions Al-Hilal now progress to the final, where they will face Al-Ittihad on Thursday. Al-Ittihad themselves secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Al-Wehda in their semi-final, with goals from Karim Benzema and Abderrazak Hamdallah.
