VAR drama as Ronaldo assist secures Al Nassr’s Super Cup final spot

Joao Felix finishes Ronaldo’s pass to seal 2-1 win over Al Ittihad despite Mane red card

Last updated: August 20, 2025 | 12:32

2 MIN READ

Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo shoots on goal during the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Ittihad at the Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday.

AFP

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo once again found himself at the centre of the drama as a contentious VAR call helped 10-man Al Nassr edge out Al Ittihad 2-1 and storm into the Saudi Super Cup final in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Also Read: Ronaldo gets Hong Kong hero's welcome, avoids Messi pitfall

Ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane put Al Nassr in front early but was later sent off, leaving Jorge Jesus’ side battling with a numerical disadvantage. Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn levelled for Al Ittihad, setting up a tense second half before the decisive moment arrived.

Ronaldo latched onto a through ball from Mohamed Simakan and squared unselfishly for new signing João Félix to slot into an empty net. The assistant referee raised his flag for offside, sparking protests, but after a lengthy VAR review the goal was allowed to stand — even as replays suggested it was a marginal call.

Gifted goal

The decision tilted the contest in Al Nassr’s favour, and though Félix had another effort disallowed after another intervention from VAR, his first strike proved enough. Al Ittihad pressed late but could not break through, bowing out in frustration as tempers flared both on the pitch and online. Fans on social media slammed the verdict, with some calling it a “free goal” gifted to Ronaldo’s side.

For Al Nassr, the night underlined both resilience and controversy — winning despite being reduced to 10 men and leaning on the combination of their global superstar and their high-profile summer signing. Ronaldo, who turned 40 this year, marked the occasion by posting on social media with the message: “LET’S GO.”

The win also moves manager Jorge Jesus closer to his first trophy since taking charge of the Riyadh giants this summer. The Portuguese coach had admitted before the semi-final that Ronaldo’s presence was a decisive factor in accepting the job.

“Cristiano being on board was a big incentive for me to accept this challenge,” Jesus said. “My ambitions require a lot of work, and I want to bring more trophies to this team.”

Al Nassr will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Al Qadisiyah and Al Ahli Saudi in Saturday’s final.

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A.K.S. SatishSports Editor

From playing on the pitch to analysing it from the press box, Satish has spent over three decades living and breathing sport. A cricketer-turned-journalist, he has covered three Cricket World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, countless IPL seasons, F1 races, horse racing classics, and tennis in Dubai. Cricket is his home ground, but he sees himself as an all-rounder - breaking stories, building pages, going live on podcasts, and interviewing legends across every corner of the sporting world. Satish started on the back pages, and earned his way to the front, now leading the sports team at Gulf News, where he has spent 25 years navigating the fast-evolving game of journalism. Whether it’s a Super-Over thriller or a behind-the-scenes story, he aims to bring insight, energy, and a fan’s heart to every piece. Because like sport, journalism is about showing up, learning every day, and giving it everything.