Al-Ittihad 1-2 Al Nassr: Ronaldo & Felix Magic Sends Al-Nassr Into Saudi Super Cup Final

Al-Nassr delivered a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on Tuesday, overcoming the setback of Sadio Mane’s early red card.

The game had drama right from the start. Mane opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a brilliant volley from Marcelo Brozovic’s cross. But Al-Ittihad quickly hit back when Steven Bergwijn converted Moussa Diaby’s cutback to level the score.

Moments later, the match took a dramatic turn as Mane was sent off in the 25th minute for an alleged stamp on Hamed Al Shanqiti. Reduced to ten men, Al-Nassr had to hold their ground under pressure.

The turning point came in the 61st minute when Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a sharp pass to Joao Felix. Initially flagged offside, the goal was awarded after a VAR review — giving Felix his first-ever strike for Al-Nassr since arriving from Chelsea.

Despite being a man down, Al-Nassr continued to threaten. Felix hit the post once and had another effort ruled out by VAR. On the other end, Saleh Al Shehri came close for Al-Ittihad, but goalkeeper Bento pulled off a crucial stoppage-time save.

Statistically, Al-Nassr edged the contest with 15 shots to Al-Ittihad’s 10 and a higher expected goals tally (2.32 to 1.44). Felix himself registered an xG of 1.22 from just three attempts, proving his immediate value.

The victory means Al-Nassr will face either Al-Qasidah or Al-Ahli in Saturday’s final. With new signing Kingsley Coman also impressing by creating four chances, the team looks ready to make up for last year’s 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Super Cup final.

This win highlighted Al-Nassr’s resilience, tactical discipline, and star power. Playing over an hour with ten men, they still managed to secure a place in the final — a statement of intent ahead of the big clash.