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Ronaldo's quest for a first title with Al-Nassr was dealt a fatal blow as they were dumped out of the Saudi Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first cup game with his new club Al-Nassr did not go as planned as the Saudi giants crashed out of the Saudi Cup at the semifinal stage after a disappointing loss to rivals Al Ittihad.
Goals from Romarinho, Morocco’s Abderrazak Hamdallah, and Muhannad Alshanqeeti were enough to see Al-Ittihad, who are led by former Wolves and Tottenham coach Nuno Espirito Santo, get one over Al-Nassr’s star-studded side.
Ronaldo, the captain on the night, was unable to inspire any resolve in the Al-Nassr side as they were steamrolled by Al-Ittihad who opened the scoring thanks to Brazillian winger Romarinho after only 15 minutes on the clock.
Al Ittihad got a second goal just before the break through Hamdallah, and while Anderson Talisca’s effort after 67 minutes threatened to spark a comeback, the Tigers held on and cemented their win thanks to an additional time heart-breaker from Alshanqeeti.
How it happened
Al-Nassr dominated possession in the game, especially after going behind, but could not fashion any good chances. Despite having 17 shots on goal, they were only able to muster three shots on target, as they paid the price for their profligacy.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad were at their clinical best, slicing through their opponents with superb counter-attacks typical of Nuno’s teams.
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They got their just rewards for their industry early in the first half when Romarinho slid in to convert a cross from Abdulrahman Alobud to give the capital club the lead.
Romarinho was in fine form for Al-Ittihad and was on hand to set up Moroccan striker Hamdallah for a header at the far post to send Al-Ittihad into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Al-Nassr’s most significant chance in the first came off the head of Ronaldo, who was denied from point-blank range by Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.
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Al-Nassr would eventually get on the scoresheet through this season’s top scorer, Talisca, who netted his 13th goal of the season to provide some hope for his side.
All hopes were dashed however when Romarinho again set up Alshanqeeti to put the cherry on top for Al-Ittihad in their convincing win that leaves them within touching distance of a domestic cup.
Al-Ittihad’s win gives them a shot at history
Al-Itithad’s victory propels them into only their third Saudi Super Cup final and leaves them on the brink of a first-ever Saudi Super Cup title.
They will face Al-Fahya who defeated Al-Hilal by a lone goal in the other semifinal to book a place in the final.
Despite the disappointment of the super cup elimination, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr can now set their focus on the Saudi Professional League where they are top of the table and stand a chance of claiming silverware come the end of the season.
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