Witness Cristiano Ronaldo’s raw emotion and defiant post-game comments after Al-Nassr’s title heartbreak against Al-Ittihad. What does this loss mean for his Saudi legacy?
Al-Nassr’s dream of winning the King’s Cup trophy came to a dramatic and disappointing halt on Tuesday when they were eliminated 2-1 by rivals Al-Ittihad in the Round of 16.
Despite playing against a 10-man Al-Ittihad for the majority of the second half, the Riyadh giants could not overcome goals from former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo visibly upset as he left the pitch.
Rivalry Run-In Ends Trophy Dream
The highly-anticipated clash saw Al-Ittihad draw first blood. Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but Al-Nassr quickly responded when Ronaldo turned provider, setting up Angelo Gabriel for a powerful equaliser on the half-hour mark.
However, a defensive lapse just before halftime allowed Houssem Aouar to restore Al-Ittihad’s 2-1 lead.
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Cristiano Ronaldo in action || Imago
The narrative shifted dramatically early in the second half when an Al-Ittihad defender received a red card, reducing the defending champions to ten men.
Despite a torrent of attacks, Al-Nassr registered 22 total shots, five on target, the star-studded attack, which includes Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman, couldn’t find a way past the unyielding Al-Ittihad defense.
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Ronaldo, who recently scored his 950th career goal, was denied a crucial chance when his looping header agonisingly brushed over the crossbar.
Ronaldo’s Eight-Word Message
The defeat means Al-Nassr’s quest for a sixth King’s Cup title will have to wait another year, compounding a string of near-misses for Ronaldo since his high-profile move in January 2023.
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However, the team captain was quick to rally his troops. Taking to social media platform X shortly after the final whistle, the Portuguese legend posted a brief, defiant message alongside a team photo:
“We stand tall, learn, and move forward together.” This eight-word reaction aims to shift focus immediately.
This result is more than just a cup exit; it’s a temporary dent in Al-Nassr’s dominant season form. Before this loss, the team was on an impressive nine-match winning streak.
The result also highlights a tactical issue: the team’s struggle to break down a deep, low block, even with a one-man advantage.
While the cup dream is over, the club’s main objective, the Saudi Pro League title, remains firmly in sight.
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Karim Benzema opened the opening for Al-Ittihad vs Al Nassr.
Al-Nassr currently sits top of the league table with 18 points after six games, three points clear of second-placed Al-Taawoun and eight points ahead of Al-Ittihad.
For Al-Ittihad, the victory boosts morale and keeps their hope of winning the cup in consecutive years alive.
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Sadio Mane (left) and Kingsley Coman (right) for Al-Nassr. (Photo Credit: Al-Nassr/X)
For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the next move is crucial: they must transform their cup frustration into renewed league focus to secure their first league championship since the 2018/19 season.
The defeat is a bitter pill for Al-Nassr, but their league position offers an immediate chance for redemption. Their season is far from over, and Ronaldo’s message is a clear call to action.
