The new Saudi football season has ignited excitement with a familiar clash as Al Hilal and Al Nassr, the top two teams from last season, advance to the Saudi Super Cup final.
The match, set to be held in Abha, will see these dominant sides face off for the seventh time in a year.
Both teams secured their places in the final through tense semifinal victories. Al Hilal, the reigning domestic treble winner, aims for a record-extending fifth Saudi Super Cup title, while Al Nassr seeks its third.
The final not only presents an early opportunity for silverware in the 2024-25 season but also a chance to set a psychological edge, especially as both teams are favorites for the Saudi Pro League title.
For Al Nassr, the match is particularly significant as they have not won any of their last five encounters against Al Hilal.
Last season, Al Hilal secured league bragging rights, drew another fixture, and edged out Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup and King’s Cup finals.
Their most recent clash saw Al Hilal triumph in a dramatic penalty shootout after a rollercoaster match in May.
Despite a somewhat unremarkable pre-season, Al Nassr demonstrated strong form in their semifinal against Al Taawoun, with Ayman Yahya and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in a 2-0 win.
However, the team will be without Marcelo Brozovic, who received a late red card.
Al Hilal also faced a challenging semifinal but managed to progress.
Roberto Firmino initially put Al Ahli ahead, but Aleksandar Mitrovic equalized in the 91st minute, and Al Hilal won in the penalty shootout with contributions from Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The upcoming final will feature a notable duel between international teammates:
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Al Nassr forward Sadio Mane. Koulibaly has successfully contained Mane in their past encounters, and Mane’s recent performance against Al Taawoun will add intrigue to their matchup.
With both teams still adjusting post-summer break, the final is expected to be closely contested.
Al Nassr, in particular, will be keen to break Al Hilal’s domestic dominance, and the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo could be a decisive factor in Abha.
