Al-Nassr overcomes red card to defeat Al-Ittihad 2–1 and advance to HK Saudi Super Cup final

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In a dramatic Saudi Super Cup semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium with over 30,600 football fans on Tuesday, Al-Nassr emerged victorious with a 2–1 win over Al-Ittihad, despite playing more than half the match with ten men.

The match began brightly for Al-Nassr when Sadio Mané volleyed home a cross from Marcelo Brozović in the 10th minute. However, Al-Ittihad responded quickly, with Steven Bergwijn equalizing just five minutes later.

The game turned in the 24th minute when Mané received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on the goalkeeper, forcing Al-Nassr to play a man down.

The second half saw numerous chances for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was active throughout, saw a headed opportunity go wide and had several shots saved. 

The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Ronaldo, initially ruled offside, was judged onside after a VAR review and assisted João Félix for a close-range finish.

Félix thought he had scored again just five minutes later, but the goal was disallowed after Ronaldo was ruled to have fouled an opponent in the buildup.

Al-Nassr continued to press, with Félix hitting the post in the 71st minute after rounding the keeper. 

Despite some late efforts from Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr managed the game effectively in the final stages.

Ronaldo was substituted to applause in the 90th minute as his team secured a hard-fought victory to advance to the Saudi Super Cup final.

(Updated at 10.11pm)