And here is the first cup. And here is the first final of the season. And there is nothing better than a duel between the Portuguese to whet the appetite for what is expected to be a long season. After winning the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup, Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal met in the final of the competition held in Abha and refereed by Artur Soares Dias, who announced the end of his career on Friday. Professional life.

International referee Artur Soares Dias ends his career

After a less successful end to the season, which culminated in a defeat in the Saudi King's Cup final against Al Hilal on penalties, Al Nassr kept the key players to attack the title and added Brazilian Pinto, the former Atletico Paranaense goalkeeper. Like him, he came to be in Benfica's orbit. One would expect to see Luis Castro start with Cristiano Ronaldo and Otavio, Especially since the striker started the season well with a goal and an assist against Al-Taawoun (0-2).

Ronaldo, the Olympian who didn't go to the Games, has already scored – and Victory started the season with a win.

On the other hand, Al Hilal came after a season in which they won almost everything – the league, the cup and the Super Cup – and only failed in continental competitions. In this way and like his rival, Jorge Jesus continues with his squad intact, The names of Ruben Neves, Neymar (still out of the list) and Mitrovic stand out. However, the first match was not easy, and Al Hilal only won against Al Ahli Jeddah on penalties (1-1, 4-1).

With the Portuguese trio on the pitch, Al Nassr started the match well, and even after Ayman Yahya went off injured midway through the first half, Luis Castro's team managed to score before the end of the first half, with Gharib sends a perfect cross to Ronaldo, who only touches it (44). However, the roles were reversed in the second half and Milinkovic-Savic quickly equalised, partnering Mitrovic (55).

Cristiano Ronaldo puts Al-Nassr ahead in the Saudi Super Cup! ????#sporttvportugal #CUPnasporttv #Saudi Super Cup #Victory #Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/UwYHMUcDlb

– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal) August 17, 2024

Milinkovic-Savic equalizes the Super Cup! #sporttvportugal #CUPnasporttv #Saudi Super Cup #Victory #Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/kza3g0pjFf

– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal) August 17, 2024

Ronaldo and Otavio's formation failed to reverse the champions' dominance Who equalized the score within eight minutes with a header from Mitrovic after a cross (63). Shortly after, the Serbian striker appeared again and exploited the passivity of Al-Nassr's defense (68). Completing Al-Hilal's wonderful reaction, Pinto failed to control the ball and Malcom took advantage of the opportunity to make the score 1-4. Thus, Jorge Jesus and Ruben Neves start the season in the same way they ended last season: with victory.

Mitrovic scores two goals and gives Al Hilal the lead????#sporttvportugal #CUPnasporttv #Saudi Super Cup #Victory #Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/trk2tw7DiZ

– Sports TV (@sporttvportugal) August 17, 2024