* Al Nassr - Al Ahli: 7 p.m. 23/8 (Hanoi time).
Ronaldo has ignited a frenzy in Hong Kong since arriving with Al Nassr for the Saudi Super Cup. The electrifying atmosphere in the Hong Kong Stadium propelled Al Nassr to a semifinal victory, and Jesus believes this energy will carry them through the final.
 |
Ronaldo and his teammates celebrate a goal during Al Nassr's 2-1 win against Al Ittihad at the Hong Kong Stadium on 19/8/2025. Photo: Al Nassr |
Ronaldo and his teammates celebrate a goal during Al Nassr's 2-1 win against Al Ittihad at the Hong Kong Stadium on 19/8/2025. Photo: Al Nassr
"I expect a full stadium to witness Ronaldo and the other players," the Portuguese coach stated in the pre-match press conference on 22/8. "The energy from the crowd will empower us. Although our opponent is strong, I believe Al Nassr will win."
In the semifinals, Al Nassr triumphed 2-1 over Al Ittihad despite Sadio Mane receiving a red card in the 25th minute. This victory keeps Ronaldo's quest for his first trophy with Al Nassr alive.
 |
Coach Jorge Jesus (left) and Inigo Martinez at the pre-match press conference for the Saudi Super Cup final. Photo: SCMP |
Coach Jorge Jesus (left) and Inigo Martinez at the pre-match press conference for the Saudi Super Cup final. Photo: SCMP
Jesus emphasized that the final in Hong Kong is a chance for Saudi football to be "showcased to the world". He also revealed he would consider replacing Mane after the final training session on 22/8. "I've only worked with the team for less than a month, but I believe in their potential and fighting spirit. They're ready to bring the Cup back to Riyadh," he affirmed.
New signing Inigo Martinez, the center-back who recently won La Liga 2024-2025 with Barca, believes the 10-man victory in the semifinal demonstrated the team's unity. "This is only my second game for Al Nassr, and I'm honored to be in the final," the Spanish defender expressed. "We face a powerful opponent, but the team is ready, united, and determined, just like in the semifinal."
 |
Striker Ivan Toney during the pre-match press conference. Photo: SCMP |
Striker Ivan Toney during the pre-match press conference. Photo: SCMP
Meanwhile, Al Ahli expressed frustration with the training and playing conditions at the Saudi Super Cup. Ivan Toney, who scored in their 5-1 semifinal win over Al Qadsiah, described their treatment in Hong Kong as insane. "We've been training on the worst pitch, always after the other teams. Al-Ahli feels like the most hated team here, but that only fuels our desire to win," the former Brentford striker said.
Coach Matthias Jaissle echoed Toney's sentiments about the unfair organization and criticized some reports from Saudi media, which he deemed "baseless and damaging to the football environment". However, he asserted that Al Ahli remains ready for the challenge. "Tomorrow is the final, there's no room for friendship. We want to give our all to win the first title of the season," Jaissle emphasized.
Hong Duy (South China Morning Post)
