Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his scoring prowess with a brace as Al Nassr secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Al Khaleej in the King Cup of Champions semi-final clash at the Al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh.
The former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane, also made a significant contribution, finding the back of the net to help Al Nassr secure their spot in the final alongside Saudi Pro League leader and Saudi Super Cup winner, Al Hilal.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Al Khaleej. A misplaced back pass from Lisandro Lopez put goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic under pressure, allowing Ronaldo to pounce and slot the ball into an empty net.
Mane extended Al Nassr’s lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute, calmly converting after Ivo Rodrigues handled the ball inside the box.
Ronaldo added to Al Khaleej’s woes in the 57th minute, finishing off a well-executed cross from Aiman Yahya to secure his brace and further solidify Al Nassr’s advantage.
Despite Al Khaleej’s efforts, goalkeeper Sehic’s heroics with nine saves prevented further damage. However, their hopes were further dampened when Mohammed Al Khabrani’s injury forced them to play with 10 men from the 77th minute onwards, after exhausting all substitutions.
A late consolation goal from Fawaz Al-Torais in the 82nd minute, courtesy of a cross from Arif Al Haydar, provided some respite for Al Khaleej. However, it was not enough to mount a comeback as Al Nassr comfortably held onto their lead to clinch the victory and advance to the final.
Al Nassr will now set their sights on the King Cup of Champions final against Al Hilal on May 31, aiming to add another trophy to their collection in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
