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Paul McNamara

Jorge Jesus has tipped Al-Nassr to surf the wave of energy generated by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in their Saudi Super Cup final against Al-Ahli on Saturday.
Ronaldo fever swept Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday, as head coach Jesus’s team overcame the first-half dismissal of Sadio Mane to beat Al-Ittihad 2-1 in their semi-final.
And Jesus was anticipating another animated and one-sided crowd when his side tackle the reigning Asian champions back at the same venue this weekend.
“I am expecting the stadium to be packed to watch Cristiano and our other excellent players,” Jesus said.
“The crowd supporting Ronaldo provides us with positive energy; we’re playing against a very strong team, but I’m pretty confident we’re going to win.”
Jesus led his previous club, Al-Hilal, to three Super Cups, including last year’s edition when his side thumped Al-Nassr 4-1 in the final.

Indeed, Al-Nassr’s two triumphs in the competition, in 2019 and 2020, predated the 2023 arrival of Ronaldo, which accelerated Saudi Arabia’s quest to establish a globally relevant and competitive league.
“On Saturday, Saudi football will be exposed to the whole world; we are expecting to see two excellent and exciting teams, which is great for the game in the country,” Jesus said.
“It’s a 50/50 match, but we want to win and return to Riyadh with the trophy.”
Jesus said Al-Nassr’s Friday training session would inform his decision over who should replace the suspended former Liverpool attacker, Mané.
“I have been working with the players less than one month, but I believe in their potential and that they will be ready to fight and win the title,” he added.
Inigo Martinez, who joined Al-Nassr from Barcelona in the summer, said winning the semi-final with 10 men had shown “a high level of fraternity” within his team.
A La Liga champion last season, centre-back Martinez added that he was “really pleased and honoured” to have the chance to contest a final in just his second match for Al-Nassr.
“Our mission is to counter the aggression of our rivals; it will be difficult but we own the tools to win,” he continued.
“Our team is ready: we’ll be united and adopt the same spirit as on Tuesday.”


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Asian Champions League: Al-Ahli in confident mood ahead of title defence

Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr boss expects more Cristiano Ronaldo mania in Hong Kong for Saudi final

Fans of Cristiano Ronaldo are uniting behind Al-Nassr’s bid for silverware in Hong Kong. Photo: Elson Li

Jorge Jesus (left) and Inigo Martínez with the trophy they will try to win on Saturday. Photo: May Tse

Saudi Super Cup: Al-Ahli sweep aside Al-Qadsiah to book final Hong Kong date with Ronaldo

Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney clashes with Al-Qadsiah’s goalkeeper Koen Casteels during their side’s Saudi Super Cup semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Elson Li

Al-Qadsiah fans in the South Stand watch their side’s game against Al-Ahli. Photo: Elson Li

Al-Nassr boss says Cristiano Ronaldo is biggest show in Hong Kong

Cristiano Ronaldo applauds supporters after being substituted towards the end of Al-Nassr’s victory over Al-Ittihad. Photo: Elson Li

Ronaldo fans flood into Hong Kong Stadium to watch their idol in action. Photo: Elson Li

Sport

Football

Jorge Jesus wants team to harness supporters’ energy for showpiece clash with Al-Ahli on Saturday


Jorge Jesus wants team to harness supporters’ energy for showpiece clash with Al-Ahli on Saturday.


Cristiano Ronaldo

Al-Nassr

Al-Ahli

Sadio Mane

Al-Nassr boss expects more Cristiano Ronaldo mania in Hong Kong for Saudi final

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Jorge Jesus wants team to harness supporters’ energy for showpiece clash with Al-Ahli on Saturday

Jorge Jesus wants team to harness supporters’ energy for showpiece clash with Al-Ahli on Saturday