Al-Nassr ensured there would be no shock exits in the Saudi King's Cup as they cruised to a resounding 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park. Following in the footsteps of fellow giants like Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadsiah, the Riyadh-based powerhouse avoided an early tournament upset to comfortably stamp their ticket to the Round of 16. The win keeps alive the club's burning ambition to end a long-standing national title drought and bring the prestigious trophy back to their cabinet for the first time in 36 years, having last lifted the cup back in 1990.
Early Shock Triggers Rapid Response
The visiting side shocked the home crowd almost immediately after kickoff. Displaying remarkable sharp-shooting efficiency in the second minute, Oscar Rodriguez capitalized on a pinpoint low cross, sliding the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento to give underdog Al-Diriyah an astonishing early lead.
However, the unexpected opening goal served as a wake-up call for "Al-Alami," who responded with fierce offensive intensity. The turning point arrived in the 11th minute when a brilliant team build-up spearheaded by Portuguese star Joao Felix opened up the opposition defense. Operating inside the box, French defender Mohamed Simakan showcased incredible technical flair by converting a clever backheel finish from a dangerous cross to restore parity and bring Al-Nassr level.
Felix and Al-Hamdan Command First-Half Lead
With momentum fully shifted in their favor, the hosts established complete control over the tempo of the game. Felix was at the center of everything positive for the home side, repeatedly finding pockets of space between the midfield and defensive lines. In the 36th minute, winger Kingsley Coman embarked on a blistering sprint down the right flank before picking out Joao Felix with an exquisite low pass. The Portuguese international finished with composure, driving the ball past goalkeeper Nicola Vasilj to put Al-Nassr ahead for the first time.
Barely sixty seconds later, the dominant hosts dealt a secondary blow before Al-Diriyah could reorganize. In the 37th minute, Sadio Mane carved open the backline with a delicate, weighted through-ball. Striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan reacted quickest to latch onto the pass, skillfully rounding the stranded Vasilj with a clean touch before walking the ball into the net to make it 3-1.
Felix Seals the Rout and Round of 16 Spot
Al-Nassr maintained their disciplined approach throughout the second half, managing the tempo and denying Al-Diriyah any genuine routes back into the match. The icing on the cake came mid-way through the second period when right-back Nawaf Boushal pushed forward to deliver a curling cross into the penalty box. Joao Felix met the delivery in stride in the 68th minute, firing home a precise and powerful strike to complete his brace and make it 4-1.
The decisive late finish effectively ended any lingering contest, allowing Al-Nassr to manage the remaining minutes with complete authority. Joining Saudi Arabia’s other powerhouse clubs in the next phase of the competition, Al-Nassr continue their determined quest to capture the elusive crown, leaving their fans optimistic about ending a multi-decade wait for silverware.