Saudi Gazette report
ABHA — Al Hilal secured their second consecutive and fifth overall Saudi Super Cup title on Saturday with a stunning 4-1 victory against their arch-rivals, Al Nassr, in a thrilling final held in Abha.
Despite an early setback, where Al Nassr took the lead, Al Hilal made a remarkable comeback, turning the tables on their opponents with a dominant performance. Just before the end of the first half, Al Nassr’s Abdulrahman Ghareeb led a swift attack, delivering a perfect cross into the box, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted into a goal, giving his team a crucial advantage at the break.
However, the second half belonged to Al Hilal. Serbian star Sergej Milinković-Savić equalized for Al Hilal shortly after the restart, placing the ball precisely into the net. Moments later, his fellow countryman Aleksandar Mitrović powered a header into the goal in the 69th minute, putting Al Hilal ahead.
Al Hilal quickly capitalized on their momentum, with Mitrović scoring again in the 72nd minute to extend their lead. The final blow came from Brazilian forward Malcom, who seized on a mistake by Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, Bento, to seal the victory with a fourth goal.
Al Hilal’s starting lineup featured the return of Brazilian Malcom and Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Yassine Bounou guarded the goal, supported by a defensive line of Renan Lodi, Hassan Tambakti, Koulibaly, and Saud Abdulhamid. In midfield, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Michael provided creativity and control, with Mitrović leading the attack.
On the Al Nassr side, Anderson Talisca returned from injury, rejoining the lineup alongside goalkeeper Bento, defenders Sultan Al-Ghanam, Ali Lajami, Aymeric Laporte, and Alex Telles. The midfield comprised Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Otávio, Ayman Yahya, Talisca, and Sadio Mané, with Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the attack.
Al Hilal’s triumphant victory in the Saudi Super Cup further cements their status as one of the most formidable teams in the region, showcasing their resilience and talent on the big stage.
