During the Saudi Super Cup semifinal between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card for elbowing an opponent. The incident unfolded late in Monday’s game in Abu Dhabi, as the Portuguese striker clashed with Al-Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulayhi during second-half stoppage time. Ronaldo was promptly shown a straight red card for his actions, which involved thrusting his elbow at center back Al-Bulayhi’s chest and throat, followed by a gesture towards the referee.
Despite Sadio Mané scoring for Al-Nassr after Ronaldo’s dismissal, goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom secured a 2-1 victory for Al-Hilal. This win marked Al-Hilal’s 33rd consecutive victory under manager Jorge Jesus, setting a record for the most consecutive wins in men’s soccer. Earlier in the match, Otávio’s goal for Al-Hilal was disallowed for offside, and it wasn’t until the 61st minute that Al-Dawsari opened the scoring. Malcom extended Al-Hilal’s lead with a header later in the half.
Despite Mané’s consolation goal, Al-Nassr couldn’t mount a comeback. This incident wasn’t Ronaldo’s first disciplinary issue in Saudi Arabia; earlier in the year, he was suspended and fined for an inappropriate gesture during a Saudi Pro League match. The defeat likely means Ronaldo and Al-Nassr will finish the season without a trophy, having been eliminated from the Asian Champions League and trailing Al-Hilal by 12 points in the SPL. Al-Hilal is set to face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
Source: CNN
