Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly emotional after Al Nassr missed out on the King’s Cup of Champions, falling to Al Hilal in a penalty shootout.
Ronaldo’s frustration was evident, especially with Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring for Al Hilal before Ayman Yahya equalized for Al Nassr, sending the match into extra-time and eventually to penalties. Ronaldo nearly secured an equalizer with a spectacular bicycle kick before half-time, but the ball hit the post, leaving Al Hilal’s goalkeeper Bono helpless.
The former Manchester United star’s heartbreak was clear as he watched his effort go unrewarded. Mitrovic had put Al Hilal ahead just seven minutes in, and the match saw three red cards in its chaotic closing stages.
In the penalty shootout, both Ruben Neves and Alex Telles missed their attempts for their respective teams. Mitrovic scored his penalty, and Ronaldo successfully converted for Al Nassr, pushing the shootout to sudden death. However, Ali Alhassan’s miss proved crucial, as Al Hilal reclaimed their crown, leaving Ronaldo in tears and needing assistance to leave the pitch.
During normal time, Al Nassr’s goalkeeper, former Arsenal star David Ospina, was sent off 10 minutes after the break. Ospina was shown a red card after a handball outside the box while tackling former Barcelona player Malcom.
The dramatic match continued with Al Hilal’s Ali Albulayhi receiving a red card for two quick yellow cards. Al Nassr equalized immediately from the subsequent throw-in, with Yahya heading home. Further drama ensued as Kalidou Koulibaly was also sent off for a second yellow card after being judged to have kicked the goalkeeper in the final seconds.
Fans reacted strongly to Koulibaly’s red card, with some expressing disbelief over the decision. Al Nassr’s long wait for the King’s Cup continues, as they have not won the competition since 1990 and have struggled against Al Hilal, failing to win in their last five encounters.
With one year left on his contract, Ronaldo will be eager to secure victory over their rivals in the next season.
Credit: TalkSport
