Bounou’s heroics secure treble for Al-Hilal in dramatic King’s Cup final
Al-Hilal clinched their third major trophy of the season by overcoming Al-Nassr in a penalty shootout (1-1, 5-4 on penalties) late Friday night. This victory, which follows their triumphs in the championship and the Saudi Arabian Super Cup, underscores Al-Hilal’s dominance in Saudi football this season.
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Yassine Bounou. The Moroccan goalkeeper played a pivotal role during the penalty shootout, making crucial saves that sealed the win for Al-Hilal.
Despite narrowly missing two earlier attempts, Bounou thwarted both Al-Hassan and Al-Nemer with back-to-back saves, securing the title in a nail-biting Riyadh derby.
الركلة الحاسمة.. ⚽🔥
الهلال بطلًا لـ #أغلى الكؤوس 🤩🏆🔥#أغلى_الكؤوس #الهلال_النصر | #SSC pic.twitter.com/RGE8RdRboZ
— SSC (@ssc_sports) May 31, 2024
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Al-Hilal took an early lead when Mitrovic found the net in the 7th minute, setting the stage for what seemed like another routine victory for the “Blues.”
However, the game took a dramatic turn as they failed to capitalize on opportunities to extend their lead. Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahaya capitalized on a late chance, scoring an equalizer in the 88th minute, pushing the match into extra time.
Adding to the drama, Al-Hilal was reduced to ten men in the 90th minute when Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a red card for a dangerous play on Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper.
This left Al-Hilal to face the closing stages of the match and the subsequent shootout with a numerical disadvantage.
Sadio Mané, Koulibaly’s compatriot on the Al-Nassr side, was substituted in the 59th minute and could only watch as the match progressed to penalties.
The final blow for Al-Nassr came as Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly emotional, witnessed his team’s defeat from the sideline.
This King’s Cup loss leaves Al-Nassr with just the Arab Club Cup from last summer, as Al-Hilal continues to dominate the domestic scene.
Al-Hilal’s victory not only highlights their tactical prowess and resilience but also cements Yassine Bounou’s reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper capable of delivering under immense pressure.
As the season concludes, Al-Hilal’s treble-winning campaign will be remembered for its dramatic finishes and Bounou’s match-winning performances.
🚨🚨| RED CARD TO KOULIBALY!!! 🟥
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 31, 2024
