Saudi Pro League winners Al-Hilal defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Friday to win the Saudi Cup and complete the domestic double, leaving the Portuguese star in tears at the end of the drama.
Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ronaldo both scored in the shootout, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero as he saved Al-Nassr’s final two penalties to seal the trophy after three players were sent off before to extra time.
Al-Hilal who were without injured Brazilian star Neymar had won the Saudi Pro League to deny Ronaldo his first league title in Saudi Arabia and the two sides, who have dominated the Saudi league were tied 1-1 after 90 minutes when Ayman Yahya’s last-gasp equaliser forced extra time.
Mitrovic had put Al-Hilal ahead after seven minutes, heading home Malcom’s cross in front of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at King Abdullah Sports City.
Ronaldo struck a stunning bicycle kick against the post after the break, but he was offside and it wouldn’t have counted.
Al-Nassr were reduced to 10-men in the 56th minute when goalkeeper David Ospina used his hand to prevent Malcom from passing him outside the penalty area.
Coach Luis Castro replaced striker Sadio Mane with substitute keeper Walid Abdullah, and despite being down a man, Al-Nassr fought for an equaliser, with Bounou saving Ronaldo’s long-range free drive.
With the clock winding down, Al Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulayhi received two yellow cards for violent conduct in the 87th minute, and following his dismissal, Ayman Yahya equalised for Al-Nassr.
Al-Hilal were then reduced to nine men when defender Kalidou Koulibaly received his second booking but they managed to hold on in extra time to force a shootout and emerged triumphant.
At the end Ronaldo broke down in tears and is still searching for his first title in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus also guided the team to their 19th Saudi Pro league trophy.
