Cristiano Ronaldo in tears: King's Cup final lost in penalty shootout
With a heartbreaking loss in the penalty shootout that ended 5-4, Al-Nassr concluded the season titleless while Al-Hilal emerged victorious in the Roshn Saudi League, Saudi Super Cup, and the Saudi King’s Cup.
Ronaldo, who has yet to claim a significant trophy after spending a season and a half in Saudi Arabia, collapsed onto the field at the end whistle and was consoled by three team officials. Wiping away his tears, he then sat in the dugout, still sobbing.
Al-Hilal dominated the game throughout, with Aleksandar Mitrovic's early header and Al-Nassr goalkeeper David Ospina's red card in the 56th minute.
But the tide turned when Ali Al-Bulaihi also received a red card in the 87th minute. This gave way for Ayman Yahya to score an equalizer for Al-Nassr, forcing the match into extra time.
Even with Al-Hilal having just 10 men on the field after Kalidou Koulibaly got two yellow cards, they persisted in not allowing another goal. The final stretched into a thrilling penalty shootout.
Whilst Ronaldo successfully scored his penalty, he could only watch in dismay as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou blocked Al-Nassr's last two attempts, sealing the win for his side.
This disappointing outcome came shortly after Ronaldo set the record for the most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season this week, netting 35 goals.
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Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive goal tally this season, Al-Nassr's football fortunes took a turn for the worse during the King's Cup final, ending in a heartbreaking loss in a penalty shootout. In the midst of the post-match turmoil, Ronaldo's passion for the sport was evident as he passionately cheered for his team's final penalty attempt.
