Introduction – Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad 2025
The Saudi derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad shook up Asian football with a star-studded clash. The match, a round of 16 match of the 2025 Saudi King’s Cup, ended with a 2-1 victory for Al-Ittihad, in a duel marked by a stellar performance by Karim Benzema, who was the man of the match. Al-Nassr’s defeat ends an unbeaten streak and exposes weaknesses in a team that, despite its talent, still struggles to find a balance between attack and defense.
The atmosphere in Riyadh was electric. On one side, Cristiano Ronaldo, a symbol of the new golden era of Saudi football; on the other, Benzema, an idol who arrived to restore Al-Ittihad’s prominence. With packed stadiums and a global audience, the game was a spectacle of intensity, technique, and strategy.
Al-Nassr dominated possession and tried to control the pace from the start, but Al-Ittihad showed maturity in exploiting space and surprising players at the right moments. Efficiency was key. While Ronaldo struggled against a well-positioned defense, Benzema was lethal when he had the chance.
This victory isn’t just another qualification—it’s symbolic. It marks Al-Ittihad’s recovery and serves as a wake-up call for Al-Nassr, who need to react quickly if they want to compete for all the titles this season.
Pre-Game Context – Expectations and Scenario
Al-Nassr: favoritism, pressure and ambition
Al-Nassr entered the match as favorites. Leader of the Saudi Pro League and boasting the country’s most star-studded squad, Luís Castro’s team was looking to confirm its dominance in the Copa del Rey as well. Expectations were high: Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and João Félix formed a fearsome attack, capable of making a decisive impact at any moment.
But with favoritism came pressure. The fans expected a dominant performance, and the board demanded the title. The team, despite winning at home, had been showing defensive inconsistencies, something that would prove decisive in the match.
Furthermore, there was an emotional element at play. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, Al-Nassr has become a symbol of the new era of Arab football. Any defeat is treated as a catastrophe. And this one, against a historic rival, carried double the weight.
The squad knew that in knockout tournaments, there’s no room for error. Even so, the team couldn’t convert its dominance into results—and paid the price.
Al-Ittihad: reconstruction, strategy and Benzema’s leadership
Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, was experiencing instability. They were fluctuating in the league and needed a significant result to regain confidence. Karim Benzema, the team’s star player, had been criticized, but he responded in the best way possible: with a goal and a lead.
The plan was clear: withstand the opponent’s momentum and attack with precision. Sérgio Conceição’s team relied on compact blocks, quick counterattacks, and long balls to Benzema. This simple and effective strategy completely disarmed Al-Nassr.
The early goal changed the emotional tone of the match. Al-Ittihad grew, believed, and knew how to suffer. With the victory, they not only advance in the competition but also reaffirm their status as a cup-winning team, capable of winning even away from home.
For Benzema, it was a game of affirmation. For Al-Ittihad, it was proof that experience and tactical discipline still trump stardom.
First Half – Benzema’s Goal Changes Everything
The first half began with intense pressure from Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo had two good opportunities, but was stopped by Al-Ittihad’s well-positioned defense. Possession was mostly yellow, but the opposition were decisive.
In the 15th minute, Benzema opened the scoring after a well-worked move down the right flank. A precise touch, classic center-forward positioning, and the Frenchman showed why he’s still one of the best in the world. The goal froze Al-Nassr and fired up the visitors.
After the 1-0 lead, Al-Ittihad dropped back and began exploiting their opponent’s poor passing. Al-Nassr responded with crosses and mid-range shots, but lacked the depth and creativity to break through the defensive block.
The first half ended with Al-Nassr dominating the game, but with the score unfavorable. Benzema, in addition to scoring, gave the team rhythm and leadership. It was clear that Ittihad was mentally controlling the game.
Second Half – Frustrated reaction and the elimination of Al-Nassr
After the break, Al-Nassr returned with a higher line and João Félix was more active on the flanks. The pressure increased, but Al-Ittihad stuck to their plan: to press forward and counterattack.
In one of these transitions, in the 60th minute, Houssem Aouar capitalized on a rebound at the edge of the box to make it 2-0. The blow was hard. The stadium fell silent, and the frustration was visible on Cristiano Ronaldo’s face, as he barely participated in the game.
Even with offensive substitutions, Al-Nassr couldn’t find any openings. They only managed to pull one back in the 80th minute, with João Félix finishing off a Mané cross. But it was too late. Al-Ittihad controlled the clock, kept their composure, and secured their spot.
At the final whistle, the 2-1 score sealed qualification. Benzema left the field to a standing ovation from the visiting fans, while Ronaldo left the field with his head down. A night of affirmation for some and reflection for others.
Match Statistics – Al-Nassr x Al-Ittihad (King’s Cup 2025)
| Statistic | Al-Nassr | Al-Ittihad |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Finalizations | 14 | 10 |
| Finishes on target | 5 | 6 |
| Ball possession | 61% | 39% |
| Right passes | 512 | 338 |
| Pass accuracy | 88% | 82% |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 10 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.6 | 1.9 |
The numbers reveal the game’s story: Al-Nassr had more possession and volume, but Al-Ittihad was more efficient. Benzema and Aouar shot few, but with very high efficiency. Ronaldo, despite participating well, only had two shots on target.
Tactical Analysis and Impact
Al-Nassr struggled to break down the opponent’s midfield. Ronaldo’s movement was tightly controlled, and the team lost rhythm between midfield and attack. There was a lack of dynamism and an abundance of predictability.
Al-Ittihad demonstrated discipline and agility. Sérgio Conceição set up a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, denying space on the inside and capitalizing on every opponent’s mistake. Benzema was the brains of the attack, alternating between drops and infiltrations.
This victory represents a watershed moment. Al-Ittihad, discredited, gains morale and positions itself once again as a strong contender. Al-Nassr, on the other hand, will need tactical and psychological adjustments to recover.
More than just a result, Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad symbolizes the new balance in Saudi football: less glamour, more competitiveness.
Conclusion – Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad 2025
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad clash will be remembered as one of the most iconic matches of the 2025 Saudi Arabian King’s Cup. Not only because of the 2-1 scoreline, but also because of the symbolism it carries: the meeting of two eras, two legendary stars, and two distinct playing philosophies. On one side, Cristiano Ronaldo, a symbol of physical strength and modern leadership; on the other, Karim Benzema, elegance and tactical intelligence at their most refined. Tonight, the Frenchman won the duel and led a display of maturity and collective efficiency.
The match demonstrated how Saudi football has evolved. The balance between the clubs, the growing technical level, and the tactical intensity reflect the sport’s new momentum in the country. Al-Ittihad, which had been under pressure for results, found in Benzema and Aouar the pillars of a victory that restored confidence and repositioned the team among the title favorites. Al-Nassr, despite its star-studded squad, still needs to rediscover the balance between individual brilliance and collective solidity—a challenge that goes beyond names and million-dollar salaries.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the match also reinforced the strength of Arab football on the global stage. The international stars, packed stadiums, and global media interest prove that Saudi Arabia is no longer just a destination for veterans, but a new competitive hub for world football. This match, broadcast to millions, is a clear example of the transformation the country is undergoing.
With the victory, Al-Ittihad advances to the quarterfinals and shows they’re ready to fight for another trophy. Al-Nassr, meanwhile, will need to reinvent themselves to remain competitive in the upcoming league rounds and the remaining cups. Fans, however, can celebrate: Saudi football has never been so vibrant, technical, and unpredictable.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad
1. Who won the Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad match?
Al-Ittihad won 2-1 and eliminated Al-Nassr from the 2025 Saudi King’s Cup.
2. Who scored the goals in the match?
Benzema and Houssem Aouar scored for Al-Ittihad, while João Félix scored for Al-Nassr.
3. Did Cristiano Ronaldo play well?
Ronaldo had a quiet performance, with few shots and without much offensive influence.
4. What was Al-Ittihad’s winning strategy?
Maintain a compact block, counterattack quickly, and exploit Al-Nassr’s mistakes in the ball.
5. What does this defeat mean for Al-Nassr?
It represents their first elimination of the season and the need to reevaluate their tactical model.
6. Was Benzema the best player on the pitch?
Yes. Besides scoring, he was Al-Ittihad’s technical and emotional leader.
7. What’s the next stage of the tournament?
Al-Ittihad advances to the quarterfinals of the Saudi King’s Cup.
8. Where to watch the highlights?
In the video above or on the official King’s Cup YouTube channel.
