A blockbuster encounter is set for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, as two titans of Saudi football, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, face off in the semifinal of the Saudi Super Cup. The high-stakes match, scheduled to kick off at the Hong Kong Stadium, will pit Cristiano Ronaldo’s in-form Al Nassr against the defending Saudi Pro League champions, led by Karim Benzema.
Al Nassr enters the contest with significant momentum following a successful pre-season under new head coach Jorge Jesus. The team has showcased a dynamic, high-tempo attacking style, highlighted by impressive victories, including a 4-0 win over Rio Ave and a match where Ronaldo netted a hat trick against Toulouse. The club has been bolstered by several high-profile summer signings, with João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Iñigo Martínez joining an already formidable squad featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and midfield maestro Marcelo Brozovic. According to reports, Al Nassr is at near full strength, with only Sami Al-Najai sidelined due to a long-term injury.
The confirmed starting lineup for Al Nassr features a powerful attacking front: Bento, Boushal, Simakan, Inigo, Ayman, Khaibari, Brozovic, Joao Felix, Coman, Mane, and Ronaldo.
In contrast, Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, has had a more challenging preparation for the new season. Despite being last season’s domestic double winners, they suffered three defeats in their pre-season fixtures, including heavy losses to Fenerbahce and Fulham, raising some defensive concerns. However, the champions possess a wealth of world-class talent capable of turning the tide in any match. The formidable duo of N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho will command the midfield, while Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema leads the attack. Their biggest challenge may be in goal, as the team will be without their primary goalkeeper, Predrag Rajkovic, for this crucial tie, as noted by GOAL.com.
Al Ittihad’s starting eleven is equally star-studded: Al Shanqiti (gk), M. Al Shanqiti, Almosa, Danilo, Mitaj, Aouar, Fabinho, Kante, Diaby, Bergwijn, and Benzema.
Historically, the rivalry between these two clubs has been fiercely contested. The all-time head-to-head record is incredibly close, with Al Nassr claiming 10 wins to Al Ittihad’s 9, along with 5 draws, according to data from FotMob. Recent history, however, favors Al Ittihad, who have emerged victorious in their last few encounters against their Riyadh-based rivals. This sets up a classic narrative: Al Nassr’s current blistering form against Al Ittihad’s recent dominance in the fixture.
The semifinal promises a spectacle of attacking football, with a place in the Saudi Super Cup final on the line. Fans across the globe can tune in to witness this clash of titans, with the match being broadcast on platforms such as DAZN and FOX in the United States. As two of the most ambitious clubs in the world go head-to-head, all eyes will be on the Hong Kong Stadium for what is expected to be an unforgettable night of football.
