Riyadh, October 29, 2025 – In a stunning upset, reigning champions Al-Ittihad defied the odds and a second-half red card to eliminate Pro League leaders Al-Nassr from the Saudi King’s Cup of Champions with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. Despite fielding a star-studded attack including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix, Al-Nassr failed to break down a resilient Ittihad defense when it mattered most.
Match Summary: A Tale of Clinical Finishing vs. Wasted Dominance
The match followed a dramatic script. Al-Nassr, as expected, dominated possession from the outset, but it was Al-Ittihad who struck first against the run of play. A lightning-fast counter-attack, finished with precision by Karim Benzema, gave the visitors a 25th-minute lead. The Frenchman initiated the move in his own half before receiving a perfect cross from Moussa Diaby to slot home.
Al-Nassr found an equalizer just before halftime through Angelo Gabriel, whose first-time shot capitalized on a deflected Ronaldo cross. However, the parity was short-lived. On the stroke of halftime, Houssem Aouar restored Ittihad’s lead with a moment of individual brilliance, wiggling past a defender in the box before firing a brilliant strike into the net.
The momentum seemed to swing decisively in Al-Nassr’s favor early in the second half when Al-Ittihad’s Ahmed Al Julaydan was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Despite relentless pressure and a numerical advantage for the remainder of the game, Al-Nassr’s star-studded frontline, including a quiet Cristiano Ronaldo, could not find a way past a resolute Ittihad defense.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- 25′ – Benzema’s Clinical Opener: A textbook counter-attack finished by the experienced Karim Benzema put the defending champions in the driver’s seat.
- 45′ – Gabriel’s Equalizer: Angelo Gabriel’s composed finish gave Al-Nassr a lifeline and seemed to shift momentum.
- 45+’ – Aouar’s Instant Reply: Houssem Aouar’s superb solo goal right before halftime was a massive psychological blow to Al-Nassr.
- Second-Half Red Card: Despite being reduced to 10 men, Al-Ittihad’s defensive discipline and organization proved insurmountable for Al-Nassr.
The MVP: Karim Benzema
The veteran French striker proved his enduring class. Beyond the crucial opening goal, his involvement in the build-up and his intelligent movement were instrumental in Ittihad’s game plan, outshining his more celebrated counterpart on the night.
What This Means
This result is a massive setback for Al-Nassr, who see a major trophy opportunity slip away despite their domestic league form. The performance raises questions about their ability to deliver in high-stakes knockout matches.
For Al-Ittihad, this is a statement victory. Defending their cup title by knocking out the league leaders, even with 10 men for almost an entire half, will provide a tremendous boost to their confidence as they advance to the quarter-finals.
