Al-Nassr suffers a 4-1 loss to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup, despite Ronaldo’s goal

Cristiano Ronaldo remains without his inaugural domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia, as Al-Nassr suffered a 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday.

The Saudi Pro League champion Al-Hilal and runner-up Al-Nassr played the season’s curtain-raiser, and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the opening goal just before halftime.

Nevertheless, the 39-year-old forward appeared to be in a state of frustration after Al-Hilal scored four goals in a 17-minute interval in the second half, while former Newcastle and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović scored two goals.

Ronaldo, who set a league record with 35 goals last season and joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, scored from close range in the 44th minute after being set up by Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored from just inside the area in the 55th minute, bringing the score to 1-1. Mitrović then scored twice in the next six minutes. Al-Hilal’s fourth goal was scored by Brazilian winger Malcom, securing the league champion’s second consecutive Super Cup victory.

Mitrović stated, “We demonstrated our capabilities in the second half.” “We encountered some challenges during the initial half and subsequently implemented adjustments in the second half.” We maintained our composure, and it is a satisfying experience to receive a trophy at the commencement of the season.

Next Saturday, Al-Hilal will commence its title defense against Al-Okhdood, a team that is still anticipating Neymar’s return from a knee ligament injury that has impeded his activity since October. Al-Nassr confronts Al-Raed two days prior.