Riyadh witnessed a night of high drama as two Real Madrid legends — Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema — went head-to-head in a heated Saudi showdown between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad.
Both teams entered the clash with everything to prove: Al Nassr unbeaten under Ronaldo’s leadership, and Al Ittihad desperate for revenge after a recent league defeat. Add to that the tactical rivalry between coaches Jorge Jesus and Sérgio Conceição, and the stage was set for fireworks.
BENZEMA STRIKES FIRST IN A MOMENT OF BRILLIANCE
Al Nassr dominated possession early, forcing Al Ittihad to sit deep and absorb pressure. A yellow card for Fabinho threatened to destabilize the visitors, but it was Benzema who broke the deadlock.
A lightning-fast counter led by Moussa Diaby ended with the French striker producing a clinical finish — vintage Benzema — to give Al Ittihad a surprise lead.
RONALDO SPARKS THE COMEBACK
Refusing to fold, Ronaldo drove his team forward. His powerful run into the box caused chaos, and after a scramble, Brazilian youngster Ângelo smashed in a stunning equalizer from distance.
But the joy was short-lived. Moments before halftime, Houssem Aouar, Al Ittihad’s standout performer of the night, curled home a beautiful effort to restore the lead — leaving Ronaldo and company trailing 2–1 at the break.
DRAMA AND DANGER AFTER A HORRIFIC COLLISION
The second half began with a terrifying moment when Al Julaydan launched into a reckless challenge that left Ayman, Al Nassr’s defender, unconscious. The red card was immediate. After a long medical delay, Ayman thankfully regained consciousness and continued, to the crowd’s relief.
Now down to ten men, Al Ittihad were forced to defend for their lives — and they did, with courage and organization.
RAJKOVIC THE WALL; RONALDO DENIED AGAIN
For more than forty minutes, Al Nassr threw everything forward. Ronaldo tested the keeper repeatedly, while Sadio Mané came agonizingly close, only to be denied by Rajkovic, whose point-blank save in the dying minutes sealed his man-of-the-match performance.
Despite dominating possession, Al Nassr ran out of ideas. Endless crosses and long balls failed to trouble a resilient Ittihad defense.
ANOTHER TROPHY SLIPS AWAY FROM RONALDO
At the final whistle, Karim Benzema lifted the trophy — another bitter disappointment for Ronaldo, who has now missed out on 13 titles since joining Saudi football.
While Benzema celebrated redemption with Al Ittihad, Ronaldo was left to reflect on another near-miss. His focus now shifts to the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League 2, where he’ll be determined to finally make his mark.