Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Face Last Season’s Surprise Package Al Taawoun in Second Saudi Super Cup Semi-Final
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his Al Nassr teammates on Wednesday night to line up against Al Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final. The contest will determine who faces either Al Hilal or Al Ahli in the final set to be played on Saturday.
Last season, Ronaldo enjoyed a stellar individual performance, but weaknesses in the team and an unbeatable Al Hilal saw them finish the season trophyless. The Super Cup will be a chance to flip the narrative by starting the season with silverware.
Last time out in a competitive match, Ronaldo was reduced to tears, and Al Nassr saw the King’s Cup slip through their hands when Al Hilal defeated them on penalties. Should they triumph over Al Taawoun, it’ll be a chance to get revenge against a dominant Al Hilal side (if they reach the final).
Al Nassr have been busy in the transfer window but have only made one signing, Bento, from Athletico Paranaense in Brazil. The side to play against Al Taawoun will not be significantly different from last season’s. The hope is that the summer break has allowed them to recharge, ready to deliver on the pitch.
Al Taawoun were a surprise package last season, and the Super Cup offers an opportunity to make a statement that last season was not an outlier. They’ve lost manager Pericles Chamusca with former UAE national team manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena replacing him. The new manager will be hoping to make a statement and sound a warning to opponents in the new season.
The contest promises to be anything but boring, with each team having its own motivation to emerge as victors. What is evident is that it will be a competitive fixture that promises action and dedication.
