The 2025 Saudi Super Cup kicks off with an electrifying clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad this Tuesday, August 19, at 9:00 AM (Brasília time) at the Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong. The match, a semifinal of the tournament, pits two giants of Saudi football led by global stars: Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr and Karim Benzema for Al-Ittihad. The game promises to be a spectacle, with live broadcasts on Sportv 2, Canal GOAT, BandSports, Newco Play, Band Play, Band.com.br, and Esporte na Band on YouTube. The competition, featuring the winners and runners-up of the Saudi King’s Cup and Saudi League, is a highlight of the season. The match is crucial for both teams, vying for a spot in the final on August 23 against the winner of Al-Qadisiyah vs. Al-Ahli.
Al-Nassr, runners-up in the 2024/25 Saudi King’s Cup, comes in strong after a solid pre-season, winning three of four friendlies against European teams. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi League champions, aims to overcome a less consistent pre-season, marked by four losses in five friendlies. The rivalry between the clubs, combined with the Ronaldo-Benzema duel, former Real Madrid teammates, heightens anticipation. Hosting the game in Hong Kong reflects Saudi football’s push for global visibility.
The match also marks the official start of the 2025/26 season for both teams, which heavily invested in signings. Al-Nassr added players like João Félix and Kingsley Coman, while Al-Ittihad relies on the experience of Fabinho and Kanté. The game will test the strategies of coaches Stefano Pioli (Al-Nassr) and Laurent Blanc (Al-Ittihad), both aiming to kick off the season with a title.
- Key attractions of the match:
- Ronaldo vs. Benzema, former Real Madrid partners.
- Official debut of Al-Nassr’s signings João Félix and Kingsley Coman.
- Multi-platform broadcast, with free options on YouTube.
- Hong Kong Stadium as the stage for a Saudi classic in Asia.
Preparation and expectations for the semifinal
Al-Nassr enters the match with confidence after a productive pre-season. Under Stefano Pioli, the team faced European opponents in friendlies, securing wins against St. Johann (5-2), Toulouse (2-1), and Rio Ave (4-0), but losing to Almería (3-2). Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored six goals in these games, is the main hope for goals and leadership. The team also bolstered its squad with heavyweights like Portugal’s João Félix, ex-Chelsea, and France’s Kingsley Coman, ex-Bayern Munich, expected to add dynamism to the attack.
In contrast, Al-Ittihad had an uneven pre-season, with only one win in five friendlies against teams like Fenerbahce, Vitória de Guimarães, and Fulham. Despite this, Laurent Blanc’s side relies on Karim Benzema, who scored twice in pre-season games. The team also signed players like full-back Ahmed Al-Julaydan and midfielder Hamed Al-Ghamdi, aiming to balance experience and youth. Their Saudi League title last season makes them favorites, though recent performances call for caution.
The match promises balance, with both teams boasting star-studded lineups and clear strategies. Al-Nassr relies on Sadio Mané’s speed and João Félix’s creativity, while Al-Ittihad trusts Kanté’s solidity in midfield and Benzema’s precision up front. Fans expect an open game with scoring chances for both sides.
- Factors that could decide the game:
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance, chasing his 1,000th career goal.
- Al-Ittihad’s ability to neutralize Al-Nassr’s fast attack.
- Impact of new signings in a high-pressure match.
- Teams’ adaptation to Hong Kong’s climate and pitch.
Recent history and rivalry
The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad clash is one of Saudi football’s most anticipated, marked by intense and decisive games. Last season, Al-Ittihad won a Saudi League match 3-2, with goals from Benzema, Kanté, and Aouar, while Mané and Yahya scored for Al-Nassr. This result highlighted Al-Ittihad’s strength in big games, but Al-Nassr has a favorable record in knockout competitions, with two Super Cup titles (2019 and 2020) compared to Al-Ittihad’s one (2022).
The rivalry gained a new chapter with the influx of global stars to Saudi football. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 23 goals in the last Saudi League, faces Karim Benzema, a key figure for Al-Ittihad and one of the league’s top names. Their shared history, winning four Champions Leagues together at Real Madrid, adds nostalgia and competitiveness. The presence of other stars like Sadio Mané and N’Golo Kanté elevates the match’s technical level.
The game also reflects Saudi football’s ambition to become a global powerhouse. Hosting the Super Cup in Hong Kong is part of a strategy to attract international audiences and promote the league in Asian markets. The stadium, with a capacity of about 40,000, is expected to draw a significant crowd, including local fans and supporters of the global stars.
Broadcast details and access
The 2025 Saudi Super Cup will have extensive coverage in Brazil, with options for all types of fans. The game will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility and reach. In addition to pay-TV channels Sportv 2 and BandSports, the match will be available for free on YouTube via Canal GOAT and Esporte na Band, as well as streaming services Newco Play and Band Play. The Band.com.br website will also provide real-time coverage with updated stats and highlights.
- Channels and platforms to watch:
- Sportv 2: pay-TV channel with expert commentary and narration.
- Canal GOAT: free YouTube broadcast targeting younger fans.
- BandSports: detailed pay-TV coverage with tactical analysis.
- Newco Play and Band Play: streaming accessible on mobile devices.
- Esporte na Band: YouTube channel with live broadcast and fan interaction.
The wide broadcast options reflect growing interest in Saudi football in Brazil, driven by stars like Ronaldo and Benzema. Fans can also follow key moments in real-time via apps like Flashscore and 365scores, which provide detailed stats like possession, shots on goal, and confirmed lineups.
Likely lineups and strategies
Al-Nassr is expected to field an attacking lineup, leveraging the speed of its wingers and Cristiano Ronaldo’s precision. The likely lineup, according to sources close to the club, is: Al-Aqeedi; Boushal, Al-Amri, Martínez, Yahya; Brozovic, Wesley, Ângelo; João Félix, Mané, Cristiano Ronaldo. Coach Stefano Pioli is likely to use a 4-3-3, focusing on quick passing and wing infiltrations.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad, led by Laurent Blanc, should opt for a more balanced approach with strong midfield marking. The probable lineup is: Hamed Al-Shanqiti; Danilo Pereira, Mario Mitaj, Al-Shanqeeti, Al-Mousa; Fabinho, Kanté, Houssem Aouar, Bergwijn, Diaby; Benzema. The 4-2-3-1 setup prioritizes defensive solidity and fast counterattacks led by Benzema and Diaby.
Both teams have minimal absences, with nearly full squads available. Pre-match preparations in Hong Kong included intense training focused on adapting to the time zone and pitch conditions. The game will test strategies, with Al-Nassr aiming to impose its pace and Al-Ittihad looking to exploit opponents’ mistakes.
- Strengths of each team:
- Al-Nassr: fast attack with Ronaldo and Mané in top form.
- Al-Ittihad: solid midfield with Kanté and Fabinho controlling play.
- Al-Nassr: signings like João Félix add unpredictability.
- Al-Ittihad: Benzema is decisive in knockout games.
Tournament importance and final projection
The Saudi Super Cup is a cornerstone of the country’s football calendar, bringing together the top four clubs from the previous season. Alongside Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Ahli complete the tournament, with the other semifinal set for Wednesday, August 20. The winner of Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad will face the victor of that match in the final, scheduled for Saturday, August 23, at 9:00 AM (Brasília time).
The tournament has grown in relevance, drawing global attention due to Saudi football’s massive investments. Stars like Ronaldo, Benzema, Neymar (Al-Hilal), and Mahrez (Al-Ahli) have made the league one of the world’s most watched. For Al-Nassr, the Super Cup is a chance to win the season’s first title and gain momentum for the Saudi League. Al-Ittihad aims to repeat its 2022 success and cement its dominance.
The match is also an opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to close in on his 1,000th career goal. With 938 goals so far, the Portuguese star is 62 goals away from the historic milestone. A standout performance in the Super Cup could be a step toward that mark. For Benzema, the game is a chance to reaffirm his leadership at Al-Ittihad, especially after an uneven pre-season.
