Al Nassr were defeated 3-1 by Al Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s efforts.
Al Ittihad, coached by former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, set up a clash with Al-Fayha in Riyadh thanks to goals from Romarinho, Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah, and Muhannad Al Shanqiti.
On Thursday, Ronaldo played the entire game, nearly equalizing in the first half when he headed straight at Al Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.
Al Ittihad added to his woes by racing down the other end to make it 2-0, though Talisca equalized for Al Nassr after the break.
Prior to Talisca’s strike, Ronaldo drilled a free-kick just over, but despite piling on the pressure, Al Nassr were exposed again late on, with Al Shanqiti sealing Al Ittihad’s progression.
Ronaldo’s wait for his first official goal in Saudi Arabia will now extend into a third game.
