ABU DHABI — Al Hilal's path to the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup final was marked by a hard-fought victory against arch-rival Al Nassr, with a final score of 2-1 at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This intense semi-final clash has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown against Al Ittihad.
Al Hilal's remarkable victory not only secured their place in the final but also extended their impressive winning streak to 33 consecutive victories on a global scale, underscoring their resilience and tactical acumen.
The strategic lineup for Al Hilal saw Abdullah Al Hamdan leading the attack, stepping in for Saleh Al Shehri, while Yasser Al Shahrani featured as a substitute for Lodi. Al Nassr, under the guidance of coach Luis Castro, employed a defensive strategy with five defenders to bolster their counterattack efforts.
The first half of the match ended without either team gaining a decisive advantage. However, Al Nassr's Otavio saw a goal disallowed in the dying moments of the half due to Cristiano Ronaldo's offside position, adding to the suspense of the encounter.
Al Hilal shifted the momentum in the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute through a brilliant combination play between Sergej Milinković-Savić and Salem Al Dawsari, who skillfully maneuvered past Al Nassr's defense to find the net. Al Hilal's offensive prowess continued as Malcom doubled their lead in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Michael.
The pivotal moment of the match occurred when Cristiano Ronaldo received a direct red card in the 85th minute following a confrontation with Al Hilal's Ali Al Bulaihi, reducing Al Nassr to ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al Nassr managed to pull one back with a late goal from Sadio Mane during stoppage time, injecting last-minute drama into the proceedings. However, Al Hilal maintained control of the game until the final whistle, securing their spot in the final and setting the stage for an electrifying clash against Al Ittihad.
