With Cristiano Ronaldo and prominent new signings Sadio Mané and Marcelo Brozovic in the starting lineup, Al-Nassr went into this final at the King Fahd City Stadium in Ta’if. After a goalless first half, the game picked up speed in the second half. Al-Hilal took the lead through the Brazilian Michael, Abdulelah al-Amri (71st) saw the red card in the CR7 team as the game progressed. At this point, Al-Nassr had the worst cards possible.
But a Cristiano Ronaldo in his ranks. The Portuguese made it 1-1 three minutes after being sent off – and Al-Nassr went into extra time a man down.
First title for CR7 at Al-Nassr – How bad is the knee injury?
There Ronaldo tied the brace with a header (98th), Al-Nassr survived the rest of the season unscathed – although Ronaldo obviously had to be driven off the field a few minutes before the end with a knee injury – and was then happy about the first title win by match winner CR7 in Services of the Saudi employer. The superstar was eagerly involved again.
A total of 16 teams from the Arab world took part in the Arab Club Champions Cup, which has been held since the 1980s. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Shorta Baghdad 1-0 in the semifinals on Wednesday. Al-Hilal advanced to the final after beating Saudi Arabia-based club Al-Shabab 3-1.
League start with Firmino triple pack
Incidentally, the Saudi Professional League, in which Al-Nassr is at home, started the new season on Friday evening. In the 3-1 opening win for Al-Ahlis over Al-Hazem, Roberto Firmino scored three times for the hosts coached by Matthias Jaissle.
Al-Nassr starts the points’ round away at Al-Ettifaq on Monday.
Also read about the start of the league in Saudi Arabia:
Lots of new things, lots of doubts: Commentary on the start of the Saudi Pro League
