Saudi football giants Al Nassr and Al Ittihad will clash in the Saudi Super Cup semifinals on Tuesday in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, marking the tournament's East Asian debut after previous editions in England and the UAE. The spotlight shines on Cristiano Ronaldo as the 40-year-old Portuguese star seeks his first official trophy since joining Al Nassr in 2022.
Despite scoring 93 goals and providing 19 assists across 105 matches, Ronaldo's only silverware with the Riyadh-based club remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup – a competition not recognized as official by regional football authorities. Al Nassr's third-place finish in last season's Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad, led to managerial changes with Jorge Jesus taking charge in July.
"Having Cristiano here was a major motivation," Jesus told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to transforming the team's fortunes. "We're mobilizing all resources to make this season count, starting with this crucial match."
The tournament's Hong Kong hosting signals Asia's growing influence in global sports markets, offering international investors and football enthusiasts a high-profile event in one of the world's leading financial hubs. The second semifinal on Wednesday will see Al Ahli face Al Qadsiah, with the final scheduled for Friday.
