Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Al-Hilal etched their name in Saudi football history with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over rivals Al-Nassr in the King’s Cup final, completing a remarkable domestic treble at the King Abdullah Sports City.
The match was a high-octane affair from the outset, with tensions running high between the two Riyadh giants. Al-Hilal drew first blood in the 7th minute, as Aleksandar Mitrovic nodded home a close-range header to send the blue side of the stadium into raptures.
The first half was marred by a flurry of yellow cards, with the referee brandishing six cautions to players from both sides. The second half saw the drama escalate further, as Al-Nassr goalkeeper David Ospina was shown a straight red card in the 56th minute, leaving his team with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite being a man down, Al-Nassr fought valiantly and found an equalizer in the 88th minute. Ayman Yahya, assisted by Aljawami, slotted home to level the scores, sending the match into extra time.
However, the numerical advantage did not last long for Al-Nassr, as Al-Hilal’s Ali Abulhayi was shown a second yellow card, reducing both sides to ten men. The match took another dramatic turn when Al-Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly was also sent off for a second bookable offense.
Extra time failed to produce a winner, despite Al-Nassr’s numerical advantage, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. Both teams missed their first penalties, but Al-Hilal’s Bono emerged as the hero, saving Al Nemer’s spot-kick to secure a historic treble for his team.
The victory marked a triumphant end to Al-Hilal’s dominant domestic campaign, while Al-Nassr, despite boasting the star power of Cristiano Ronaldo, finished the season trophyless.
As the curtain falls on the Saudi football season, the focus now shifts to the upcoming transfer window, with anticipation building over which marquee names will be lured to the Saudi Pro League.
