18/08/2024

Why Couldn’t Al Nassr Stop Al Hilal’s Saudi Super Cup Domination?

Author: Md Shayon

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In a thrilling Saudi Super Cup final, Al Hilal showcased their dominance by overturning a first-half deficit to defeat Al Nassr 4-1, securing the prestigious trophy for the second consecutive year and the fifth time in their history. The match, held on Saturday, was a testament to Al Hilal’s resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in the second half, where they dismantled their rivals with clinical precision.

A Promising Start for Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s talisman, gave his team a glimmer of hope just before halftime. The Portuguese star capitalized on a precise pass from Abd El Rahaman Ghareeb, slotting the ball into the net with a typical poacher’s finish. Despite the early breakthrough, the first half was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Al Hilal’s Second-Half Masterclass

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Al Hilal. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic sparked the comeback in the 55th minute with a powerful strike after a slick exchange with Aleksandar Mitrovic. This goal set the tone for what would become a dominant display from Al Hilal.

Just eight minutes later, Mitrovic himself got on the scoresheet, rising high to meet a perfectly placed cross from Ruben Neves and heading home to give Al Hilal the lead. The Serbian striker wasn’t done yet; in the 69th minute, he added his second of the night, finishing off a well-worked move involving Brazilian forward Malcom.

Malcom, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, sealed the victory just three minutes later. He capitalized on a mistake by Al Nassr goalkeeper Pinto, who mishandled a pass from Aymeric Laporte, allowing Malcom to fire into an empty net with ease.

Ronaldo’s Frustration and Al Hilal’s Glory

Ronaldo, who had started the match with high hopes, was left frustrated as his team crumbled in the face of Al Hilal’s relentless attack. Despite his early goal, Ronaldo’s wait for a trophy in Saudi Arabia continues, as Al Hilal’s tactical superiority and individual brilliance proved too much for Al Nassr.

The victory not only reinforced Al Hilal’s status as the most successful team in the Saudi Super Cup but also highlighted the significant gulf in class between the two sides on the day. Al Hilal’s triumph was a result of collective effort, with key contributions from Milinkovic-Savic, Mitrovic, and Malcom, all of whom played pivotal roles in dismantling their arch-rivals.

As Al Hilal lifted the Saudi Super Cup, their fans celebrated a well-deserved victory, one that will be remembered for its dramatic turnaround and emphatic finish. For Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, it’s back to the drawing board as they reflect on what could have been, had they managed to maintain their first-half lead.

Looking Ahead

With the season just beginning, this result sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign in Saudi football. Al Hilal will undoubtedly look to build on this success, while Al Nassr will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this humbling defeat. The Saudi Super Cup may be just one trophy, but its significance cannot be overstated as it could shape the trajectory of the season for both teams.

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