Hong Kong is buzzing as Saudi powerhouses Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad will lock horns in the semifinal of the 2025 Saudi Super Cup at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams are eager to secure a spot in the final, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed Hong Kong as the host for this year’s Saudi Super Cup, running from 19 to 23 August 2025. The tournament initially aimed to include the winners and runners-up of the 2024-25 King Cup and Saudi Pro League. However, Al-Ittihad’s domestic double meant the extra spot went to the third-placed team. Additionally, Al-Hilal’s withdrawal due to their FIFA Club World Cup participation opened a spot for the fifth-placed team, as fourth-placed Al-Qadsiah had already qualified.
Al-Ittihad’s Recent Performance
This semifinal marks Al-Ittihad’s fifth appearance in the Super Cup, with their most recent participation in 2023 ended in disappointment as they finished as runners-up. However, they lifted the trophy once in 2022, the year the competition expanded to its current four-team format.
Last season, the Jeddah giants dominated their league meetings against Al-Nassr, winning 2-1 and 3-2, reasserting their control after losing both encounters in the 2023-24 season.
Despite their strong league performance, Al-Ittihad’s summer friendlies raised concerns about their readiness as they suffered defeats to Fenerbahce, Fulham, and Portimonense, managing only a victory against Portuguese side Leiria.
Al-Nassr’s Journey to the Semifinal
Al-Nassr will make their seventh Super Cup appearance and their second consecutive one, finishing as runners-up last season after a 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the final. The Riyadh giants are two-time winners of the competition and earned their spot this year due to Al-Ittihad’s domestic double.
Jorge Jesus’s side enjoyed a productive pre-season, securing victories against SK St. Johann, Toulouse, and Rio Ave. However, they ended their pre-season with a defeat to Spanish outfit Almeria.
Historically, Riyadh-based Al-Nassr have struggled against Al-Ittihad, winning just two of their last 15 encounters, including a 3-1 defeat in the 2023 Super Cup.
Al-Ittihad will miss goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic due to a muscle injury, while defender Hassan Kadesh remains a doubt. Karim Benzema, who scored 21 goals last season, will again be the focal point of their attack.
For Al-Nassr, midfielder Sami Al-Najai remains sidelined with an ACL injury, despite joining the team on tour, while new signing Inigo Martinez is expected to partner with Abdulelah Al-Amri in central defense. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sensational form, scoring six goals in his last three matches. This includes a hat-trick against Rio Ave and a brace versus Almeria. He aims to carry that momentum into the competition.
Predicted Lineups:
Al-Nassr: Bento; Al Ghanam, Alamri, Martinez, Boushal; Gabriel, Brozovic, Wesley; Felix, Ronaldo, Mane
Al-Ittihad: Al-Shanqiti; Al-Mousa, Pereira, Sharahili, Rodriguez; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Hernandez, Bergwijn; Benzema
The winner of this thrilling semifinal will advance to face the victor of Wednesday’s other semifinal between Al-Qadsiah and AFC Champions League Elite champions Al-Ahli. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad boast significant attacking quality. However, Al-Ittihad has demonstrated the ability to rise to big occasions in recent years. While Al-Nassr has enjoyed better pre-season results, Al-Ittihad has shown more grit when it matters most.
This semifinal promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the best of Saudi football.
