Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, October 28, 2025 22:50 / Updated Tuesday, October 28, 2025 23:02
Al-Nasrhis team Cristiano Ronaldo (40 years old), was eliminated from the round of 16 of the Saudi Arabian King's Cup after a 2-1 defeat to rivals from Al-Ittihadeven if the opponents played an entire half in numerical inferiority.
Karim Benzema (15') and Houssem Aouar (45+2') scored the visitors' goals, while Angelo Gabriel (31') scored for Jorge Jesus' team, after a pass from Ronaldo.
Al-Ittihad, Ronaldo's “nightmare” again
Although Al-Nassr started the game better, dominating possession and controlling the midfield, the first goal came on the counter-attack.
Moussa Diaby built up the build-up brilliantly, combining quickly with Benzema and sending a perfect cross into the box, from where the former Ballon d'Or winner coolly finished for 1-0.
After half an hour, Ronaldo stood out with a decisive pass: the Portuguese penetrated the left flank, crossed in front of the goal, and Angelo Gabriel, a former Chelsea player, took advantage of a deflection and equalized.
However, just before the break, Houssem Aouar restored the lead for Al-Ittihad with an exceptional individual move, short dribble into the box and a placed shot, impossible for the goalkeeper.
Unnecessary superiority for Al-Nassr
At the start of the second half, Al-Ittihad were down to 10 men after Ahmed Al Julaydan was sent off (49') for a hard foul on Aiman Yahya.
Even so, the band of Jorge Jesus (71 years old) was unable to take advantage of the numerical advantage.
Although Ronaldo and his team-mates pressed in the closing minutes, the visitors' defense held and Benzema and company managed a spectacular quarter-final qualification.
Cristiano Ronaldo, without a trophy in Saudi Arabia
The Portuguese star, who has been with Al-Nassr since 2023, has failed to win a single trophy in over 114 official matches played so far.
Last season, his team was also eliminated in the round of 16, by Al-Taawon (0-1).
The Portuguese star's squad returns to the field on Saturday, in the Saudi Arabian Premier League, in a duel at home with Al-Fayha.
