Al Ahli claimed the Saudi Super Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Al Nassr, winning 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in a fiercely contested final at Hong Kong Stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo put Al Nassr in front with a 42nd-minute penalty, but Franck Kessié struck back deep into first-half stoppage time to level the score. Marcelo Brozović restored Al Nassr’s lead late in the second half, capitalising on a rare mistake by Kessié in the 83rd minute.
However, Al Ahli defender Roger Ibañez equalised in the 89th minute to force a tense shootout, where Matthias Jaissle’s side held their nerve to lift the first trophy of the new season.
The final lived up to its billing, delivering drama from the first whistle to the last kick. Al Nassr, boasting an array of star talent including Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, João Félix and Brozović, looked on course to secure the title when Brozović’s strike gave them the advantage with just minutes to play.
But Al Ahli’s resilience shone through, and their late fightback proved decisive in shifting momentum heading into the penalties.
Kessié, instrumental in the semi-final thrashing of Al Qadisiya, was again at the heart of Al Ahli’s performance, driving his side forward and dictating play despite his defensive lapse.
The Saudi giants showcased a collective strength and composure that will serve them well ahead of the league season, which begins on 28 August.
For Al Ahli, this victory represents a statement of intent. The squad, led by Jaissle and featuring Riyad Mahrez and Édouard Mendy underlined their title credentials with a spirited display. Their triumph not only secures silverware but also provides a confidence boost ahead of a long campaign.
By contrast, Al Nassr will see this as a missed opportunity. Jorge Jesus’s side had the game within their grasp but faltered under pressure, failing to convert their superiority into victory. The defeat will sting, particularly for Ronaldo, who added another goal to his tally but saw his side fall short when it mattered most.
Al Ahli’s success caps off a perfect start for Jaissle, who took over the club with ambitions of returning them to the pinnacle of Saudi football. The German coach will take pride in his team’s tactical discipline, mental strength and ability to rise to the occasion.
With the league season now days away, Al Ahli have fired an early warning to their rivals, demonstrating they are ready to challenge on all fronts.
This Super Cup victory may be symbolic, but for a squad determined to make a mark, it already feels like the first step towards a defining season.
