Al-Nassr Overcome Early Shock to Reach King Cup Last 16

Al-Nassr continued their impressive start to the new season with a convincing 4-1 victory over newly promoted Diriyah in the King Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday.

The Saudi Pro League champions, technically the away side despite playing at Al-Awwal Park, recovered from an early setback to dominate the match and secure a place in the last 16.

Oscar Rodriguez stunned Al-Nassr by giving Diriyah the lead less than two minutes after kick-off. The early goal, however, failed to disrupt Al-Nassr’s attacking rhythm as Ange Postecoglou’s team quickly responded with intense pressing.

Joao Felix and Angelo were central to the comeback. Felix created the equaliser in the 11th minute when his low cross reached Mohammed Simakan following a cleared corner. The French defender finished with a backheel to bring Al-Nassr level.

Al-Nassr took control later in the first half. Angelo set up Felix for the second goal in the 35th minute before Sadio Mane produced a precise long pass two minutes later for Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who finished to make it 3-1.

Felix completed his brace in the 68th minute with a composed finish past Diriyah goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

The result gives Al-Nassr three straight wins since the start of the competitive season and adds to optimism surrounding Postecoglou’s appointment. Concerns had emerged during the summer over whether the club had strengthened its squad sufficiently, but the early performances have provided a positive response.

Diriyah, managed by Bruno Lage, earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League for the first time last season and faced a difficult challenge against the reigning champions.

Elsewhere, Al-Ettifaq suffered another King Cup setback against lower-league opposition, losing 1-0 to Al-Jabalain in Hail.

Henrique Luvannor scored the only goal in the 42nd minute as Al-Jabalain eliminated the top-flight club. The defeat marked the third consecutive season in which Al-Ettifaq have been knocked out of the competition by a lower-tier opponent.

Al-Ittihad advanced with a 3-0 victory over relegated Al-Najma. George Ilenikhena scored twice, while Danilo Pereira added the third goal, giving the club a boost after a 1-1 draw with Al-Kholood in their opening league match.

Al-Okhdood also reached the last 16 after Rui Pedro scored twice on his debut in a 2-0 win over Al-Khaleej.

NEOM defeated Al-Faisaly 3-1, with Said Benrahma and Alexandre Lacazette among the scorers for the Tabuk-based club.

The King Cup Round of 32 concludes on Wednesday, with Damac hosting Al-Taawoun, Jeddah facing last season’s runners-up Al-Kholood and Al-Ula meeting Al-Fateh.

The latest results have produced several surprises, while Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad remain among the prominent Saudi Pro League clubs advancing to the next stage.