Al‑Nassr’s Path to the Saudi Super Cup Final
On August 19, 2025, Al‑Nassr travelled to Hong Kong Stadium for a semi‑final that carried a heavy load of expectation. With 30,653 fans in the stands and referee Khalid Al‑Turais in charge, the Saudi side knew a win would keep their silverware hopes alive in what marks their 50th straight season at the top of Saudi football.
The opening minutes delivered drama. Sadio Mane, fresh from his recent high‑profile transfer, struck in the 10th minute, slotting a low‑driven ball past the Ittihad keeper. The goal ignited the crowd and gave Al‑Nassr an early cushion.
Just 15 minutes later, Mane doubled the lead. A quick counter‑attack saw him receive a pinpoint pass on the edge of the box and finish with a crisp finish into the top corner. The pair of early goals put the visitors in a commanding position and seemed to set the tone for the match.
Al‑Ittihad, however, refused to settle. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn responded in the 16th minute, cutting inside from the right flank and curling a shot past the Al‑Nassr defense. The equaliser sparked a brief flurry of chances from both sides, but the half‑hour mark still saw Al‑Nassr leading 2‑1.
There was a twist in the second half. Mane, after picking up a second yellow for a late challenge, was shown a red card in the 61st minute, leaving Al‑Nassr a man down. Moments later, João Félix rose to the occasion, finding space at the edge of the area and unleashing a powerful strike that beat the Ittihad goalkeeper, restoring a two‑goal cushion.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al‑Nassr held firm. The defense organized tightly, and the midfield pressed hard, denying Ittihad any clear chances to level the score. The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 triumph, sending Al‑Nassr to the Saudi Super Cup final against Al‑Ahli on August 23.
This victory not only highlighted the impact of recent signings like Mane and Félix but also underscored the team's resilience under pressure. Their upcoming final promises another high‑stakes encounter as they chase the coveted trophy after a season filled with near‑misses and historic milestones.
