Ronaldo unable to inspire Al Nassr as Nuno's Al Ittihad reach Saudi Super Cup final

By Sports Desk January 26, 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to send Al Nassr into the Saudi Super Cup final as they went down 3-1 to Al Ittihad.

Goals for Romarinho, Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah and Muhannad Al Shanqiti saw Al Ittihad, coached by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, set up a showdown with Al-Fayha in Riyadh.

Ronaldo played the entire match on Thursday, coming close to an equaliser in the first half when he headed straight at Al Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe.

Al Ittihad compounded his frustrations by racing down the other end to make it 2-0, though Talisca pulled one back for Al Nassr after the break.

Ronaldo drilled a free-kick just over prior to Talisca's strike, yet despite piling on the pressure, Al Nassr were opened up again late on, with Al Shanqiti sealing Al Ittihad's progression.

It means Ronaldo's wait for a first official goal in Saudi Arabia will stretch into a third match.

Related items

  • Football rumours: Arsenal draw up 10-man shortlist in quest for striker Football rumours: Arsenal draw up 10-man shortlist in quest for striker
    What the papers say

    Arsenal’s quest to find a new striker has been whittled down to a 10-man shortlist, according to the Daily Mirror. Among those being watched by the Gunners are RB Leipzig’s Slovenian Benjamin Sesko, 20, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, and his fellow Sweden international Alexander Isak, 24, at Newcastle.

    Another Arsenal target may be out of reach, reports the Daily Express. They have been tracking Dutch winger Xavi Simons, 20, but his parent club Paris St-Germain are keen to give him game time after a loan spell at RB Leipzig.

    Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, 27, is still hopeful of a move to Spain. The Daily Mail reports on the Colombia international’s father saying he remains keen on a move to one of La Liga’s top clubs.

    Manchester United have strengthening their defence as their main summer priority, according to The Daily Telegraph. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, is high on their list of targets.

    Social media round-upPlayers to watch

    Bruno Guimaraes: Spanish outlet Fichajes says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is “obsessed” by the Newcastle midfielder, 26, who would cost around £85million.

    Lucas Paqueta: West Ham expect Manchester City to make another bid for the Brazil midfielder, 26, according to Football Insider.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo makes a fan’s night but cannot stop Portugal losing Cristiano Ronaldo makes a fan’s night but cannot stop Portugal losing

    Cristiano Ronaldo made a pitch invader’s night during Portugal’s 2-0 friendly defeat in Slovenia.

    The 39-year-old posed for a selfie with the man who had sprinted onto the pitch during the first half at the Stozice Stadium.

    Ronaldo was powerless to stop his country losing in the second half, though.

    Adam Gnezda Cerin struck in the 72nd minute before Timi Max Elsnik added a second eight minutes later for the hosts.

  • Gateshead hammer Hartlepool to move fourth in National League Gateshead hammer Hartlepool to move fourth in National League

    Gateshead moved up to fourth in the Vanarama National League with a thumping 7-1 win against Hartlepool.

    The visitors took a deserved lead in the eighth minute when Joe Grey almost allowed the chance to go begging before producing a neat finish.

    Callum Whelan had a goal ruled out for Gateshead before they equalised from the penalty spot in the 28th minute. Luke Hannant slotted home after Dajaune Brown had been tripped in the area by Manny Onariase.

    The home side went ahead early in the second half when Kieron Evans made the most of a poor attempted clearance and fired past Pete Jameson.

    Brown headed home unmarked for 3-1 and it was four when Regan Booty drove through a crowded penalty area shortly afterwards.

    Brown scored his second with a dinked finish and Whelan netted almost a carbon copy sixth with 15 minutes remaining.

    Tom Allan sealed a thoroughly miserable night for the visitors with a late seventh.

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.