Ronaldo Returns! Al-Nassr Faces Al-Ittihad in Saudi Super Cup Semifinal

Al-Nassr vs Al-Ittihad

Football fans, get ready — Tuesday, August 19, 2025, isn’t just another matchday. It’s the night Cristiano Ronaldo steps back onto the pitch, making his long-awaited season debut for Al-Nassr. And he couldn’t ask for a bigger stage — a Saudi Super Cup semifinal showdown against Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad, live from Hong Kong Stadium.

This isn’t just a game. It’s a blockbuster.

Why This Match Matters

Whenever Ronaldo and Benzema share the same pitch, it feels like football royalty colliding. Both legends know what it takes to win at the highest level — and now they lead two Saudi giants who are desperate for silverware.

For Al-Nassr, this match is about sending a message. After bringing in stars like João Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Íñigo Martínez under new boss Jorge Jesus, the team looks stacked. Add Ronaldo back into the mix, and suddenly the attack looks unstoppable.

Al-Ittihad, on the other hand, are banking on experience and stability. With Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Fabinho holding things together, they’ve kept faith in the same squad that powered them to last season’s success.

Where and When to Watch

• Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
• Kickoff Time: 8:00 AM ET (USA)
• Stadium: Hong Kong Stadium
• Streaming (USA): Fubo, Fox Sports 2, Fox Deportes
• Africa: ESPN Africa & ESPN App
• Global: Check local broadcasters

Yes, the kickoff is early if you’re in the U.S., but let’s be honest — who wouldn’t wake up to watch Ronaldo vs Benzema?

The Stage: Hong Kong Stadium

The Saudi Super Cup has gone international this year, with Hong Kong hosting the four-team mini tournament. The format is simple: two semifinals leading into a winner-takes-all final.

Al-Nassr qualified as third place in the Saudi Pro League, while Al-Ittihad booked their spot after finishing as champions. The twist? Al-Hilal, who should have been in the mix, are missing out due to scheduling issues, paving the way for Al-Ahli to join instead.

The result? An unpredictable tournament with some of football’s biggest names on display.

Predicted Lineups

Al-Nassr (Possible XI):
Bento; Simakan, Íñigo Martínez, Yahya; Coman, Brozović, Al Khaibari; João Félix, Ronaldo, Sadio Mané.

Al-Ittihad (Possible XI):
Al-Shanqiti; Fabinho, Kanté, Aouar, Moussa Diaby; Steven Bergwijn, Karim Benzema.

That’s a lot of firepower on both sides. The midfield battle — Brozović and Coman vs Kanté and Fabinho — could decide everything.

Key Storylines to Watch

🔥 Ronaldo’s Comeback – Can he still dominate the big stage after an extended break?

🔥 Benzema vs Ronaldo Rivalry – Former Real Madrid teammates turned rivals — this adds extra spice.

🔥 New vs Old – Al-Nassr’s flashy new signings against Al-Ittihad’s tried-and-tested core.

🔥 Jorge Jesus Factor – The new Al-Nassr coach loves attacking football. Expect a high-intensity game.

Why Fans Should Be Excited

This semifinal feels bigger than just the Saudi Super Cup. It’s another chapter in football’s global shift, with Saudi clubs continuing to attract world-class players. And with the match in Hong Kong, it underlines just how international the Saudi game has become.

For neutrals, it’s a dream: Ronaldo vs Benzema. For Saudi football fans, it’s a taste of what’s to come this season. And for the players — it’s about proving who still runs the show.

Quick Match Facts

Final Word

Whether you’re watching for Ronaldo’s return, Benzema’s leadership, or just the thrill of two Saudi powerhouses going head-to-head, this game has all the ingredients of a football classic.

So set your alarms, grab your coffee, and don’t miss a second. Because when legends like Ronaldo and Benzema meet under the lights, you know something special is about to happen.

Stay tuned with Shugal News — we’ll have all the highlights, reactions, and what this means for the road to the Saudi Super Cup Final.