Al-Hilal defeat Al-Nassr to lift Saudi Cup and complete domestic double

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Friday to win the Saudi Cup and complete the domestic double, leaving the Portuguese forward in tears at the conclusion of the drama.

Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ronaldo both scored in the shootout, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving Al-Nassr's final two penalties to secure the trophy after three players were sent off prior to extra time.

The two teams, who dominated the Saudi league season before Jorge Jesus' side won the title for the 19th time, were tied 1-1 after 90 minutes when Ayman Yahya's last-gasp equaliser forced extra time, but no goals were scored.

Mitrovic put Al-Hilal ahead after seven minutes, heading home Malcom's cross in front of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at King Abdullah Sports City.

Ronaldo fired a spectacular bicycle kick against the post after the break, but he was still offside.

Al-Nassr were reduced to ten men in the 56th minute after goalkeeper David Ospina used his hand to prevent Malcom from passing him outside the box.

Coach Luis Castro replaced forward Sadio Mane with substitute keeper Walid Abdullah, and despite being down a man, Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, with Bounou saving Ronaldo's long-range free kick.

With the clock ticking down, Al Hilal's Ali Al-Bulayhi received two yellow cards for violent conduct in the 87th minute, and after his dismissal, Ayman Yahya equalised for Al-Nassr.

Al-Hilal were then reduced to nine men after defender Kalidou Koulibaly received his second booking, but they held on in extra time to force a penalty shootout and won.

At the end, Ronaldo burst into tears and is still looking for his first title in Saudi Arabia.

SportsLigue