Al-Ittihad Stuns Al-Nassr in Saudi arabian Cup,Benzema and Aouar Find the Net
RIYADH,Saudi Arabia – October 29,2025 - Reigning champions Al-Ittihad advanced to the quarter-finals of the saudi Arabian Cup,defeating Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr 2-1 in a Round of 16 clash Tuesday. The result marks a notable upset in the competition and halts Al-Nassr’s pursuit of a domestic cup title.
The Saudi Arabian Cup offers a crucial pathway to silverware outside the Pro League, and this victory for Al-Ittihad demonstrates their continued competitiveness despite a mid-table league position.For Al-Nassr, currently leading the Pro League, the cup represented an possibility to add to their trophy cabinet and deliver a title to fans eager to see Ronaldo lift silverware with the club.
Karim benzema opened the scoring for Al-Ittihad in the 15th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Moussa diaby. Al-Nassr responded fifteen minutes later through a goal by Angelo,set up by Ronaldo. Though, Houssem Aouar restored Al-Ittihad’s lead in added time of the first half, scoring in the 45th+2 minute.
Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the second half following a 49th-minute red card for Ahmed Al-Julaydan, Al-Ittihad held firm against a relentless Al-Nassr attack. Al-Nassr dominated possession with 33% of the ball and registered 22 shots, but failed to breach Al-Ittihad’s defence again. Ronaldo, who recently scored his 950th career goal, was unable to find the back of the net.
Al-Ittihad, currently 7th in the Saudi Pro League, will continue their title defense in the quarter-finals. Al-Nassr, despite their strong league form with 6 wins in 6 matches, will now focus solely on their Pro League campaign and the pursuit of their first trophy with Ronaldo.
