Cristiano Ronaldo was red-carded for elbowing an opponent during Al-Nassr’s defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal.
The incident occurred late in Monday’s game in Abu Dhabi when the Portuguese striker found himself in a tussle with Al-Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulayhi during second-half stoppage time.
He was shown a straight red card for thrusting his elbow at center back Al-Bulayhi’s chest and throat, then appeared to raise his fist towards the referee.
Sadio Mané did score for Al-Nassr following Ronaldo’s departure, but earlier goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom gave Al-Hilal a 2-1 victory.
It was Al-Hilal’s 33rd win in a row as the club continues its historic run under manager Jorge Jesus having achieved the record for the most consecutive wins in men’s soccer last month.
Otávio looked to have given Al-Hilal the lead at the end of the first half before his strike was ruled out for offside, and it took until the 61st minute for Al-Dawsari to make it 1-0.
Malcom, who had hit the post with a long-range effort minutes before, soon scored his side’s second later in the half with a header into the ground.
Despite Mané’s consolation, Ronaldo’s red card further dashed Al-Nassr’s hopes. Ronaldo’s disciplinary issues this season include a suspension and fine for an inappropriate gesture during a Saudi Pro League match.
With the Super Cup loss, Ronaldo and Al-Nassr face a trophy-less season and trail Al-Hilal by 12 points in the SPL.
Al-Hilal advances to face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
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The incident that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's red card 👇pic.twitter.com/4hxoBAE4cd— Everything Cristiano 𓃵 (@EverythingCR7_) April 8, 2024
