Dramatic Red Card Showdown: Al-Hilal Claims the Treble in Saudi Kings' Cup Final
In a spectacular showdown on Friday night, Saudi Arabia’s footballing giants Al-Hilal secured a historic treble by defeating Al-Nassr in the Saudi Kings’ Cup final, following an intense penalty shootout. The match, held at the King Fahd International Stadium, captivated fans with its relentless drama, fierce competition, and nail-biting conclusion.
The match got off to a fiery start, with Al-Hilal’s new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic opening the scoring in the seventh minute. The Serbian striker showcased his predatory instincts by finding the back of the net with a clinical finish, setting the tone for what would turn out to be an epic contest.
First Half Highlights
After Mitrovic’s early strike, Al-Nassr sought to respond quickly. Their talismanic forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, almost leveled the score with a blistering shot that seemed destined for the goal but was spectacularly saved by Al-Hilal's goalie, Yassine Bounou. The save served as a wake-up call for both teams, heightening the intensity of the match.
The first major turning point came when Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper, David Ospina, made a reckless challenge outside the penalty area on Al-Hilal’s Malcom. The Colombian’s rash decision earned him a red card and left his team one man down. The incident not only altered the dynamics of the match but also tested the resilience and depth of Al-Nassr’s squad.
Second Half Drama and Red Cards
As the second half unfolded, tensions ran high, and both teams grappled for control. Al-Hilal’s defender, Ali Al Bulayhi, received his second yellow card late in the game, reducing his team to ten men. The disparity in numbers intensified the contest, adding an extra layer of complexity to the strategies employed by both managers.
Despite being a man down, Al-Hilal continued to press forward. However, their efforts hit a significant roadblock when their central defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, was sent off following a heated exchange with Al-Nassr’s substitute goalkeeper, Waleed Abdullah. The match had now seen three red cards, underscoring the fierce rivalry between the two teams.
Late Equalizer and Penalty Shootout
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Al-Nassr’s Aiman Yahya found the back of the net, scoring a dramatic equalizer that sent the Al-Nassr fans into a frenzy. The goal came as a result of relentless pressure and a well-executed counter-attack, proving that Al-Nassr still had plenty of fight left in them.
With the score tied 1-1 at the end of regular time, the match headed into a penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as players from both sides lined up to take their crucial spot-kicks. Al-Hilal held their nerve and emerged victorious, thanks in part to a pivotal save from Yassine Bounou, who denied Meshari Al Nemer’s weak attempt. The win marked Al-Hilal’s 11th King’s Cup title and solidified their status as the dominant force in Saudi football.
A Historic Treble and Uncertain Future for Al-Nassr
By clinching the Kings’ Cup, Al-Hilal achieved a historic treble, having already secured the Saudi Super Cup and the Saudi Pro League titles earlier in the season. This remarkable feat makes Al-Hilal the only team to accomplish a perfect domestic season, further cementing their legacy in the annals of Saudi football history.
On the other hand, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Al-Nassr. The team has now gone four consecutive seasons without a domestic trophy, with their only silverware in the 2023-24 season being the Arab Club Champions Cup won in August. The loss will inevitably lead to introspection and potential changes within the club as they look to rebuild and break their domestic trophy drought.
The Saudi Kings’ Cup final of 2023 will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling and dramatic in recent history. It showcased the best of Saudi football – the passion, the skill, and the unforgiving nature of the sport. For Al-Hilal, it was a night of glory and a testament to their supremacy, while for Al-Nassr, it was a reminder of the fine margins that separate triumph from despair in the beautiful game.
10 Comments
Anand Bhardwaj
June 2, 2024 AT 04:25 AMWow. Just... wow. That match had more red cards than a kindergarten art class with temper tantrums. Al-Hilal’s defense looked like a game of whack-a-mole with a red card hammer. Still, 11th cup? That’s insane. I’m not even Saudi and I’m impressed.
RAJIV PATHAK
June 3, 2024 AT 06:37 AMAh yes, the ‘historic treble.’ How quaint. Al-Hilal didn’t win because they were better-they won because Al-Nassr’s squad was a glorified fan club with Ronaldo as the mascot. The rest of the team? Barely qualified for the Saudi Second Division. The league’s been bought, not built. And now we get to hear this ‘legacy’ nonsense for the next decade. 🤡
Nalini Singh
June 4, 2024 AT 19:46 PMThe cultural significance of this match cannot be overstated. In a region where football has long been a vessel for national pride and social cohesion, Al-Hilal’s triumph represents more than mere sporting success-it is a reaffirmation of institutional excellence and disciplined perseverance. The tactical discipline exhibited under pressure, particularly in the penalty shootout, reflects a deep-rooted ethos of collective responsibility. One cannot help but admire the poise of Bounou, whose composure under duress mirrors the quiet dignity of the Saudi spirit.
Sonia Renthlei
June 5, 2024 AT 10:49 AMI just want to say how much I appreciate how this match brought people together-even the fans of Al-Nassr were cheering for the sheer drama of it all. I mean, think about it: three red cards, a last-minute equalizer, and then penalties? It’s like watching a movie where everyone’s crying, screaming, and hugging at the end. I’ve been watching football since I was a kid, and this was the most emotional game I’ve ever seen. I felt for Ronaldo too-he gave everything. And even though he didn’t win, he showed the world what heart looks like. I just hope everyone takes a moment to appreciate the beauty of the game, not just the winners.
Aryan Sharma
June 6, 2024 AT 20:22 PMThis whole thing is fake. The red cards? Paid for. The penalties? Rigged. You think they let Al-Nassr win? Nah. They need Al-Hilal to look like kings so the Saudis can sell more oil. I heard the ref got a free Tesla. And Ronaldo? He was told to lose so the league looks ‘competitive.’ Look at the crowd-zero foreigners. All bots. The whole thing’s a scam. Wake up.
Devendra Singh
June 7, 2024 AT 23:12 PMLet’s be real-Al-Hilal didn’t win because they were better. They won because they had the budget to buy the best players and the referees. Mitrovic? A glorified bench warmer in Serie A. Koulibaly? Overpaid and overhyped. And Bounou? He’s not a goalkeeper-he’s a lucky goat. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr had a real captain, a real leader, and a real legend in Ronaldo. This isn’t football. It’s a corporate PR stunt with extra red cards.
UMESH DEVADIGA
June 9, 2024 AT 19:05 PMI’m crying. I just… I can’t. That penalty save? I felt it in my bones. I was watching with my dad, and when Bounou dove, he grabbed my hand and squeezed so hard I thought my fingers were broken. We’ve been watching Al-Hilal since 2007. We’ve seen them lose titles, we’ve seen them cry, we’ve seen them break. And tonight? They didn’t just win-they resurrected something. I’m not okay. I need a minute.
Roshini Kumar
June 9, 2024 AT 23:55 PMOk but like… did anyone else notice that the ball in the equalizer looked like it was a size 4? Or that the ref had a weird tattoo on his wrist that looked like a Saudi flag? Also, Mitrovic’s goal? He used his shoulder. I’m not saying it was intentional but… come on. And why was Ronaldo wearing a different jersey? Was it a different match? I think they edited the footage. I’m not mad… just confused. 😕
Siddhesh Salgaonkar
June 10, 2024 AT 12:48 PMRonaldo = GOAT. Al-Hilal = paid mercenaries. The fact that this ‘treble’ even matters is sad. 😔⚽️ The real trophy? The fact that Ronaldo still showed up after 4 straight losses. That’s class. That’s legacy. That’s what you don’t get from a trophy. #RonaldoIsTheRealKing 🐐👑
Arjun Singh
June 11, 2024 AT 21:05 PMThe tactical setup was pure 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers and a false nine in the second half, but Al-Nassr’s pressing triggers were misaligned after the 67th minute. Ospina’s red card triggered a systemic collapse in their defensive third. Al-Hilal exploited the space between the lines with Malcom’s diagonal runs-classic Gegenpressing adaptation. Bounou’s save on the final penalty? That’s elite shot-stopping under pressure. This wasn’t luck-it was elite coaching. The stats don’t lie: 72% possession, 19 shots, 8 on target. Al-Nassr was outplayed, not out-lucked.