Al Ahli Edge Al Nassr on Penalties to Win 2025 Saudi Super Cup

Al Ahli won the 2025 Saudi Super Cup after beating Al Nassr in a penalty shootout. The score was 5-3 after a 2-2 draw. The final took place in Hong Kong. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal for Al Nassr, but his team did not secure the trophy.

HOW THE FINAL UNFOLDED

Both teams tried to control the game early. Ronaldo gave Al Nassr the lead in the 40th minute with a penalty after Ali Majrashi handled the ball. Al Ahli quickly equalized as Franck Kessie scored from a pass by Enzo Millot. In the second half, Ronaldo had a shot saved by Al Ahli keeper Edouard Mendy, while Firas Al-Buraikan hit the post. Marcelo Brozovic scored with eight minutes left, putting Al Nassr ahead, but Al Ahli equalized at the end. The game went to penalties, and Al Ahli won 5-3.

AL AHLI’S GROWTH AND AL NASSR’S FRUSTRATION

This is Al Ahli’s first trophy of the 2025-26 season. They recently won the 2024/25 AFC Champions League, their first title. Al Nassr, on the other hand, are frustrated as their wait for a trophy continues. Ronaldo reached 100 goals in Saudi football at age 40, but his team again missed out on a title. Despite having strong players like Joao Felix and Brozovic, Al Nassr could not secure the win. The loss highlights the frustration, as recent transfers were intended to lead to trophies.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR BOTH TEAMS

The Roshn Saudi League season starts next week. Al Ahli host Al Shabab on Thursday. They are Asian champions and are confident after winning the Super Cup. Al Nassr play Al Riyadh and will aim to start the new league campaign with a win to forget their Super Cup disappointment. Last season, Al Nassr finished third in the league, thirteen points behind Al Ittihad. Al Ahli want to use this momentum to close the gap on the top and challenge for both domestic and continental titles.