Shock Exit as Al-Nassr Dumped Out by 10-Man Al-Ittihad in King’s Cup
Al-Nassr dumped out of King’s Cup after ten-man Al-Ittihad shock in Riyadh thriller
The Story
In Riyadh, on 28 October 2025, the knockout stages of the King’s Cup 2025–26 delivered a major surprise. Al‑Nassr, tipped to dominate, were undone by Al‑Ittihad – a side reduced to ten men – yet showing resilience, discipline and clinical execution.
Minute by minute madness
It didn’t take long before the drama began. In the 15th minute, Moussa Diaby burst down the flank and found Karim Benzema, who calmly converted to give Al-Ittihad the lead. Al-Nassr responded around the half-hour mark when a set-piece from Cristiano Ronaldo created a chance for Ângelo Gabriel.
Houssem Aouar restored Al-Ittihad’s lead with a composed finish, sending shockwaves through the Al-Nassr camp. In the second half the tension rose. Al-Ittihad were reduced to ten men when Ahmed Al-Julaydan received his marching orders. Yet, even with a numerical disadvantage, they held the line, frustrated Al-Nassr’s firepower and kept their slim lead until the final whistle.
Why this matters
Al-Nassr entered this game riding high. They had been undefeated in all competitions for the season, showing dominance in the domestic league. Expectations were high. They had invested heavily. They had the names. But football is not just about names.
Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, knew they were underdogs. They were facing one of the strongest squads in Saudi football right now. They showed grit, game-management, and seized key moments. Their victory speaks to more than just one game. It signals a momentum shift.
Al-Nassr’s failings exposed
The game exposed vulnerabilities in Al-Nassr’s armour. They dominated possession. They peppered the goal. But the final touch, the killer instinct, was missing. Analysts noted that despite having 22 shots and heavy possession, the conversion rate was poor.
Their attacking stars – Ronaldo, João Félix, Kingsley Coman – found it hard to break down a disciplined Al-Ittihad defence. They lacked cohesion in the final third, and when the odds were stacked in their favour after the sending off, they still failed to capitalise.
Their coach will now ask tough questions: Why did the lead slip away? Why was the numerical advantage not exploited? A cup exit at this stage demands accountability.
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Al-Ittihad’s strength in adversity
For Al-Ittihad, the win is testament to resilience. To go ahead early, concede an equaliser, then retake the lead and hold firm after a red card: that requires mental strength. Benzema’s goal set the tone. Aouar’s strike before half-time handed them justification. And after being reduced to ten men, they defended with structure, organisation and discipline.
They could afford to soak up pressure, counter-attack when needed, and ride their luck a little. That’s the hallmark of a mature knockout-side. They now advance to the quarter-finals with real belief.
Implications for both clubs
For Al-Nassr this is a setback. A major one. The King’s Cup was a trophy target. Now it’s gone. It raises questions about their ability to deliver under pressure. For the players, the fans, the board, the pain will linger. They will need to regroup quickly.
For Al-Ittihad the path now opens. Momentum is theirs. Confidence boosted. They can build on this and push for more silverware this season. This win may be the turning point.
Final thoughts
Football is often described as the sport of moments. This match delivered those moments. Shots, goals, a red card, drama. The expected script was flipped. Al-Nassr’s exit shows that in knockout football, quality matters—but so does heart, organisation, composure. Al-Ittihad had all three.
The King’s Cup just got more interesting. The favourites have fallen. The challengers advance. And for Al-Nassr, the real work begins now.
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