Al Nassr vs Al Wehda score, result, and highlights as angry Cristiano Ronaldo crashes out of King Cup

Ben Miller

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Al Nassr vs Al Wehda score, result, and highlights as angry Cristiano Ronaldo crashes out of King Cup image

Cristiano Ronaldo was thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping performance and a brilliant first-half bicycle kick sent Al Nassr crashing out of the King Cup semifinals in a 1-0 loss to spirited 10-man Al Wehda.

Goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui produced two sensational saves to deny Ronaldo, who shook his head and remonstrated with his coaching staff as he left the pitch with Al Nassr behind 1-0 at halftime to Jean-David Beauguel's acrobatic strike.

By the end of the match, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner sat on his haunches as the full-time whistle blew, signaling a second successive defeat for Al Nassr and another disappointing cup exit. Al Nassr are winless and goal-less in their last three in all competitions.

Their lowly King Cup opponents — newly-promoted to the Saudi Pro League and 31 points below Ronaldo's team in 13th place — won the semifinal despite being reduced to 10 men.

Late in the match, Ronaldo fired a free-kick wildly over the crossbar after Al Wehda centre-back Abdullah Al-Hafith brought him down at the edge of the area and earned a second booking. Ronaldo also hit the crossbar with a first-time half-volley in the closing stages.

Al Nassr have now failed to score in three consecutive matches in all competitions, while Ronaldo has gone two hours and 54 minutes without a goal for his out-of-sorts side.

The veteran thought he had scored before Al Nassr went behind in the first half, but he was denied in literally breathtaking fashion by El Kajoui, as the brave goalkeeper took Ronaldo's volley from point-blank range square in the chest to somehow keep it from crossing the line. It was a play that required treatment after the netminder was left winded by the shot.

El Kajoui produced another exceptional stop to tip Ronaldo's shot away shortly after the restart, with Al Wehda centre-back Oscar Duarte making the first of his two goal-line clearances during the game to repel Sultan Al-Ghanam's header from the rebound.

Al Wehda held on for more than 40 minutes despite being down a man, helped by Al Nassr's wastefulness from shooting and crossing opportunities. They will be huge underdogs against Al Hilal in the King Cup final.

Al Nassr vs Al Wehda result

  Final
Al Nassr 0
Al Wehda 1

Goals:

Al Wehda — Jean-David Beauguel — 23rd min.

New low for Al Nassr

The elimination was an embarrassment for Al Nassr.

Ronaldo scored all four of the goals in 41 minutes when they crushed Al Wehda in a league match back on February 9. Even accounting for their misfortune at times during this King Cup semifinal, it is a sign of how dramatically their form has nosedived recently that they could not break down the top-flight strugglers.

Al Wehda were game but limited, although French striker Beauguel's beautiful 23rd-minute goal was worthy of winning most matches, showing the ingenuity that their victims rarely looked likely to summon.

There were VAR checks against Al Wehda for potential penalties, scrambled clearances, instances of time-wasting, and seven added minutes at the end, but little of it helped the overwhelming favourites get any closer to scoring.

Ronaldo repeatedly urged his team-mates to lift their tempo and raise their game. In truth, he must have been as annoyed at his own performances as any of those around him.

The set-piece opportunity that followed the Al Wehda red card was situated at a perfect distance for a free-kick taker of Ronaldo's quality, centrally positioned to the excitement of much of the noisy crowd in attendance.

The former Manchester United top scorer's attempt, however, was wretched, a shadow of the superb goals that make up his highlight reel of dispatching dead balls to deadly effect from the same range.

After suffering elimination in the Super Cup, and now the King Cup, Al Nassr only have the league to focus on and they find themselves three points behind league leaders Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand.

It looks increasingly likely that Ronaldo's first trophy with Al Nassr might have to wait until next season. Unless Al Ittihad trip up and Al Nassr can take advantage in their final six games, Ronaldo is poised to have no silverware to show for his first campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Al Nassr vs Al Wehda result, highlights from King Cup

Final: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Wehda are in the King Cup final! Cristiano Ronaldo is on his haunches as his side crash out against 10 men after failing to score for a third successive game!

The Saudi Pro League strugglers rejoice. This is an embarrassment for Al Nassr.

90 +6 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

High drama! A VAR check takes place for a potential penalty for Al Nassr for handball. No spot kick is awarded.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaps like a salmon to nod a cross from the left back into the centre of the penalty area at the far post. Luiz Gustavo heads the delivery towards goal, and Oscar Duarte clears off the line!

Monir El Kajoui is down and needs treatment after challenging Ronaldo for that ball. The striker is so good in the air.

90 +4 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Monir El Kajoui is booked for timewasting.

90 +3 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Almost three of the allocated seven additional minutes have been played. A cross from the left evades Talisca.

89 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Monir El Kajoui takes his time with a goal kick as we enter the final minute of regular time, then lumps it into the Al Nassr half.

Al Nassr are struggling to win the ball off their opponents on the flank.

87 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Typical from Al Nassr, as another attack peters out with a cross going nearer a corner flag than the Al Wehda goal.

86 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Luiz Gustavo tries to break free inside the penalty area on the left. Faycal Fajr sees the danger behind with a robust tackle.

85 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Wehda give Al Nassr a worrying moment with a corner from the right. They've had four of the 18 attempts.

83 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo thumps a first-time half-volley against the crossbar from close range!

The captain raises his eyes and arms to the sky. That sums up Al Nassr's night so far.

79 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Wehda goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui — the likely hero, if they can hold out here - catches another harmless cross from the right.

76 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Interim Al Nassr manager Dinko Jelicic isn't exactly inspiring the team, on this evidence. There's a bit of a debate over whether a cross from his team has gone out of play or not, but it doesn't make much difference when their accuracy is this low.

74 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo turns inside the penalty area on the left and sends a cross beyond anyone.

He hasn't scored in 277 minutes.

71 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

This would be a second defeat on the spin for Al Nassr. They're on course to go a third game without scoring.

69 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

There's precious little to report in terms of penalty area action. Al Wehda do not look like a team with a man fewer, let alone near the foot of the Saudi Pro League playing opponents spearheaded by an all-time great.

66 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo goes down inside the box, although there isn't much of an appeal for a penalty.

Al Nassr then run the ball out of play again. Their time in the cup is dwindling unless they can find something during the final quarter of regular time.

64 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr are pushing more effectively, but a combination of poor finishing and more inspired goalkeeping from Monir El Kajoui keeps them at bay.

61 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Another ball rolls behind for Al Nassr. As you'd expect, they've been dominant since establishing a man advantage - but they haven't looked any more dangerous.

60 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr win a corner on the left. It's an overhit delivery by Abdulrahman Ghareeb, and Monir El Kajoui leaps to catch.

57 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo wins a corner after entering the penalty area on the left. Al Nassr, again, fail to create danger from it.

55 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

It's a dreadful free-kick, by Cristiano Ronaldo's standards. He blazes the opportunity high over the crossbar and into the stands.

Al Wehda, without one of their starting centre-backs and a man down, breathe a collective sigh of relief.

54 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo stands over the free-kick in that familiar pose. This is extremely concerning for Al Wehda, positioned right outside the penalty area in a central position.

53 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Abdullah Al-Hafith is sent off for a second book after that reckless challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo!

Down to 10 men against a team far above them in the league, this will be an almighty achievement if they can hold on for more than 35 minutes to reach the final.

52 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo cuts inside from the left and is chopped down by Abdullah Al-Hafith on the edge of the penalty area.

50 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo charges into the penalty area and feeds Luiz Gustavo to his left, who flashes a low cross along the face of goal. There's no-one there to meet it.

49 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Wehda clear off the line again!

47 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr could not come any closer to scoring right at the start of a second half that begins with Cristiano Ronaldo geeing up the crowd!

The captain connects with a header from Sultan Sami's right-wing cross that is brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui, who comes to Al Wehda's rescue again.

Sultan Al-Ghanam then crashes a close-range shot towards goal from the rebound, only to see Oscar Duarte head off the line!

Halftime: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo shakes his head as he trudges off for the break, then shouts something and opens his arms out in front of some of his side's coaching staff. There was one chance for Al Nassr in added time: Sultan Al-Ghanam  sent a low cross from the right into the path of Abdulrahman Ghareeb in front of goal, who blew the chance by swiping at thin air.

Al Nassr have had eight of the 11 shots in this game but only two on target. Al Wehda have had one on target, and it was a beauty to put them ahead.

Whatever happens, you suspect Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal, who are in the final already, will not have seen much to concern them during that half.

45 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

There will be at least four minutes of added time in this half.

44 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Whoosh! Al Nassr's Ali Alhassan breaks free inside the penalty area on the right and, from a tight angle, pelts a thunderous shot across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post.

That's as close as Al Nassr have come since that early chance for Cristiano Ronaldo.

42 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr labour to deal with the corner, but goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi comes out to claim the ball on the left of the penalty area to end the ensuing attack by Al Wehda.

40 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

More danger for Al Nassr: Karim Yoda's trickery wins his side a corner on the right, from where they took the lead.

38 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr waste a corner on the right. The side who are only five points above the Saudi Pro League relegation zone are closing in on a half-time lead.

36 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo tries to reach a ball inside the Al Wehda penalty area on the right but finds himself crowded out.

34 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr's Talisca looks up outside the penalty area on the left and blazes a shot well over the crossbar.

That's an indicator of how little inspiration his side have had since falling behind.

31 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Jaloliddin Masharipov sends in a cross-shot from the right. Goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui catches in the middle of his goal.

Al Nassr are toiling.

28 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

We've just seen a replay of Cristiano Ronaldo frustratedly telling his team-mates to raise their game.

27 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Talisca's pattern continues as he sends a header wide. He didn't have much space to work with, in fairness.

25 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

Al Nassr force a corner on the left but can't produce a shot on target following the delivery.

23 mins: Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda

There was pinball inside the Al Nassr penalty area after they failed to conclusively clear that corner and the return ball inside their box.

With goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi off his line after advancing uncertainly, Jean-David Beauguel used the space he was afforded to fire a powerful bicycle kick into the back of the net!

23 mins: GOAL - Al Nassr 0-1 Al Wehda (Jean-David Beauguel)

Superb strike!

20 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Al Wehda win a corner on the right. Promising.

20 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Not sure what the exact wording is, but a version of the White Stripes' ubiquitous 'Seven Nation Army' is being loudly sung.

Ali Alhassan is down on the turf receiving treatment. He returns to his feet grimacing.

18 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Considering they're 31 points behind Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League table, this has been a promising opening by Al Wehda as we approach the 20-minute mark.

They're looking calm on the ball and determined in defence.

16 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo releases Talisca on a run towards the penalty area on the left, but the recipient of the incisive pass can't capitalise and is dispossessed.

14 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Ali Lajami goes down after a challenge on Al Nassr's right and needs a prolonged spell of treatment, allowing the other players to rehydrate in sweltering conditions.

Lamaji is back on his feet.

12 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Monir El Kajoui is winded after that Cristiano Ronaldo strike hit him full on the chest at the closest of quarters.

He bravely returns to his feet, with Ronaldo showing his respect. Great goalkeeping!

11 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Massive chance for Cristiano Ronaldo! The striker meets a cross from the left at point-blank range but goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui somehow keeps it out, perhaps not knowing too much about it!

The rebound bounces off Ronaldo and away.

10 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Al Wehda have possession inside the opposition half on the left. Alaa Al Hejji gets clumped on the foot and Al Nassr win a freekick.

9 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Cristiano Ronaldo picks up a short pass, spins and sends in a low shot from distance that is comfortably wide of a post.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner then gestures at his opponents to speed their play up.

7 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Talisca has another chance in the air! This time the 16-goal attacker sends a cross from the right wide of the target with a powerful header.

4 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Ronaldo gets on the ball for the first time on the left, performing a nutmeg to drive a move that culminates in Talisca heading a cross from the same flank wide inside the penalty aera.

3 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

Sultan Al-Ghanam makes an excellent acrobatic clearance inside the penalty area, deploying an overhead kick to emphatically snuff out the danger.

2 mins: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

The constant noise from the stands is striking and enjoyable. Al Nassr make a first foray forward but Al Wehda deal with the danger on their left.

1 min: Al Nassr 0-0 Al Wehda

This has been a good start by Al Wehda, who keep possession deep inside Al Nassr territory on the left. The attack eventually fizzles out.

1 min from kickoff: The teams are on the pitch and exchanging pleasantries with each other and the match officials in front of a boisterous crowd!

There's just time for the team photos.

20 mins from kickoff: The players arrive a little earlier.

40 mins from kickoff: Team news! Here's how Al Nassr start.

60 mins from kickoff: As we await team news, don’t forget to follow our dedicated football channels on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest football updates, stats and analysis.

They’re your essential companions to the beautiful game.

80 mins from kickoff: Thirty-three years of hurt: that's how long it's been since Al Nassr claimed their sixth and most recent King Cup title.

Mecca-based Al Wehda won it in 1957 and 1966. They were also runners-up five times between 1958 and 1970.

100 mins from kickoff: Al Nassr have not produced a goal in their past two matches, with former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo showing them how it's done by scoring both of Al-Hilal's in their 2-0 win over them six days ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo has gone 204 minutes without a goal.

120 mins from kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' coverage of Al Nassr's semifinal with Al Wehda in the King Cup!

After slipping to 2-0 defeat at Al Hilal in their last league match, Al Nassr have fallen three points behind Al Ittihad at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

That might make a return to cup action something of a relief for the side skippered by Cristiano Ronaldo, who is seeking his first trophy since joining the club and aiming to win the King Cup for the first time. Stay with us for build-up and all the action from the game.

Al Nassr vs. Al Wehda confirmed lineups

Interim Al Nassr boss Dinko Jelicic had confirmed no fresh injury worries ahead of this tie with Pity Martinez ruled out until next season.

Al Nassr starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 44. Nawaf Alaqidi (GK) — 2. Sultan Al-Ghanam, 78. Ali Lajami, 21. Alvaro Gonzalez, 13. Ghislain Konan — 18. Luiz Gustavo,17. Abdullah Alkhaibari — 19. Ali Alhassan, 94. Talisca, 29. Abdulrahman Ghareeb — 7. Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr subs (8): 22. Agustin Rossi (GK), 4. Mohammed Al-Fatil, 3. Abdullah Madu, 12. Nawaf Boushal, 16. Mohammed Maran, 8. Abdulmajeed Alsulaihem, 77. Masharipov, 27. Majed Qasheesh, 46. Abdulaziz Saud Al Elewai

Al Wehda head coach Jose Luis Sierra was also boosted by a fully fit squad to pick from, including key defender Óscar Duarte.

Al Wehda starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Monir El Kajoui (GK) — 3. Abdullah Bukhari, 17. Abdullah Al-Hafith, 6. Oscar Duarte, 23. Amiri Kurdi — 4. Waleed Bakshween, 76. Faycal Fajr, 88. Hejji — 74. Karim Yoda, 87. Anselmo, 9. Jean-David Beaugue

Al Wehda subs (9): 13. Abdulquddus Atiah (GK), 24. Abdulaziz Noor, 27. Hawsawi, 28. Al-Jayzani, 29. Sultan Sami Al Akouz,  49. Sultan Al-Sawadi, 2. Ali Makki,  90. Hazzaa Al-Ghamdi, 80. Yahya Mahdi Naji

What time is Al Nassr vs. Al Wehda?

This King Cup semifinal clash between Al Nassr and Al Wehda kicks off at 9 p.m. local time at the Mrsool Park, in Riyadh, on Monday, April 24.

  Date Kickoff time
Australia Tue, Apr. 25 04:00 AEST
Canada Mon, Apr. 24 14:00 EDT
Hong Kong Tue, Apr. 25 02:00 HKT
India Mon, Apr. 24 23:30 IST
Malaysia Tue, Apr. 25 02:00 MYT
New Zealand Tue, Apr. 25 06:00 NZST
Singapore Tue, Apr. 25 02:00 SGT
UK Mon, Apr. 24 19:00 GMT
USA Mon, Apr. 24 14:00 EDT

MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo's salary in Saudi Arabia

How to watch Al Nassr vs. Al Wehda

Local broadcasters in select countries have acquired the rights to televise or stream the Saudi Pro League, while fans in other territories can subscribe to streaming platform Shahid for complete coverage.

According to LiveSoccerTV, the following networks are carrying this match:

  TV channel Streaming
Australia — 10 Play
Canada — Shahid
Hong Kong — Shahid
India Sony TEN 2 Shahid, JioTV, SONY LIV
Malaysia Astro Supersport 5 Shahid, Astro GO, sooka
New Zealand — Shahid
Singapore — Shahid
UK — Shahid,
Sky Sports on YouTube
USA — Shahid

MORE: What is King Cup competition and how does it work?

Ben Miller

Ben Miller Photo

Ben Miller has been writing about sport for 25 years, following all levels of football as well as boxing, MMA, athletics and tennis. He’s seen five promotions, three relegations, one World Cup winner and home games in at least three different stadiums as a result of his lifelong devotion to Brighton & Hove Albion. His main aim each week is to cover at least one game or event that does not require a last-minute rewrite.