RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian football season of 2024-2025 kicks off next week when last year’s top four finishers in the Roshn Saudi League compete for the Saudi Super Cup.
The traditional curtain-raiser of domestic football in the Kingdom, the Saudi Super Cup will see Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Taawoun and domestic treble winners Al-Hilal competing for the prestigious trophy in Abha between Aug. 13 and 17.
The four clubs will compete for the honor at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium in the picturesque city of Abha for the first time.
This year’s tournament continues with the expanded four-team format introduced in 2023.
The semifinals will see Al-Hilal face Al-Ahli on Aug. 13, with Al-Nassr taking on Al-Taawoun the following day. The final is to be held at 7:15 p.m. Saudi time on Aug. 17.
Al-Hilal, as treble winners last season, will be aiming to maintain their impressive form from the 2023-24 campaign which saw the Riyadh side, under Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus, secure their record 19th league title.
Portugal’s Ruben Neves, Serbian duo Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and the returning Neymar are all set to feature in the season-opening competition.
Al-Ahli, who are returning for their second top-flight season, will provide a tough test for last year’s champions as the Jeddah club aim to secure their first Super Cup victory since 2016.
With a strong pre-season behind them and featuring the return of international stars in Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, Al-Ahli will be difficult to beat.
Al-Nassr, led by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, will have their sights set on redemption going into the new season, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat in the King Cup final ended a difficult campaign.
With new signing Brazilian goalkeeper Bento set to feature, the Riyadh side will be aiming to add to their two previous successes in the Saudi Super Cup.
Al-Taawoun will look to replicate the fine form that saw the Buraydah outfit achieve an impressive fourth-place finish in the top flight. Led for the first time by new manager Rodolfo Arruabarrena, the side will aim to provide an early shock in the new season.
The Saudi Super Cup represents the start of a historic new season of domestic football in Saudi Arabia and is the first football tournament to take place in the Kingdom since the historic announcement of the country’s official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
For more information on how to purchase tickets for the Saudi Super Cup, visit: https://webook.com/en/saudi-super-cup-2024
Saudi Arabia’s new football season kicks off next week with the Saudi Super Cup
https://arab.news/9355f
Saudi Arabia’s new football season kicks off next week with the Saudi Super Cup
- Trophy will see Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Taawoun, domestic treble winners Al-Hilal playing between Aug. 13-17
- The 4 clubs will compete at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Abha for the first time
Musiala scores a hat trick as Bayern Munich beat Mainz 4-0 in German Cup
- After scoring his first on a slick team move assisted by Harry Kane, Musiala made sure he was in the right place at the right time for his other goals
- The ease of the win underlined Bayern’s return to the sort of domestic dominance it is used to in Germany after a trophyless 2023-24 season
- Eintracht Frankfurt played almost all of the game with 10 men but still beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1
MAINZ, Germany: Jamal Musiala scored a first-half hat trick as Bayern Munich reached the third round of the German Cup in a 4-0 win over Mainz on Wednesday.
Bayern were never seriously tested after Musiala opened the scoring less than 90 seconds into the game.
The ease of the win underlined Bayern’s return to the sort of domestic dominance it is used to in Germany after a trophyless 2023-24 season, even if their Champions League campaign has been less impressive.
After scoring his first on a slick team move assisted by Harry Kane, Musiala made sure he was in the right place at the right time for his other goals.
The second came on the rebound when a Kane shot was saved and Musiala completed his hat trick with Bayern’s fourth goal of the game, a tap-in when Konrad Laimer’s cross deflected off two Mainz players. Shortly before that, Leroy Sané had scored Bayern’s third goal on a flowing counterattack that began in his team’s own penalty area.
In Wednesday’s other games, Union Berlin have been on the rise again in the Bundesliga but had an early cup exit with a 2-0 loss to third-division Arminia Bielefeld.
Eintracht Frankfurt played almost all of the game with 10 men but still beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 on goals from forward Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush.
Frankfurt were without defender Arthur Theate from the 15th minute after his handball saw him red-carded for the second game in a row. Theate was sent off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Union Berlin but the suspension didn’t carry over to the cup.
Heidenheim was upset 2-1 by second-division Hertha Berlin. Heidenheim thought it had done enough to go to extra time when Paul Wanner headed in a last-second equalizer, but it was ruled out for an apparent foul in the buildup.
Other Bundesliga teams progressed as Werder Bremen knocked out Paderborn 1-0, Freiburg saw off Hamburger SV 2-1 and Hoffenheim knocked out Nuremberg 2-1.
Man Utd hit five to start life after Ten Hag, Man City out of League Cup
Arsenal and Liverpool were among the other sides to book their place in the last eight, but Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle.
A United legend as a player, Van Nistelrooy was thrust into the role of caretaker boss after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dreadful start to the season.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is the man the English giants have targeted to take over but are still in negotiations with the Portuguese champions to agree compensation for the 39-year-old.
According to reports in Portugal, Amorim will remain at Sporting for the next three matches before completing his move during the November international break.
“I came here as an assistant to help the club. I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future, in any capacity, I’m here to help the club build toward the future,” said Van Nistelrooy.
“The reaction of the players was excellent. They deserve the credit for a good win and I’m happy the crowd goes home with a nice night of football.”
The Dutchman said before the game that United “can be unstoppable” when “players, staff and supporters pull together” and they cut loose by scoring four times in a thrilling first 45 minutes.
Casemiro’s stunning effort into the top corner opened the scoring before Alejandro Garnacho swept home Diogo Dalot’s cross to please a jubilant Van Nistelrooy on the touchline.
Bilal El Khannouss quickly pulled a goal back for the much-changed Foxes.
Bruno Fernandes’ deflected free-kick restored United’s two-goal cushion before Casemiro slammed home his third goal in two games.
Conor Coady grabbed another consolation for Leicester but United were not to be denied just a second win in nine games.
Fernandes rounded off the scoring when he pounced on a short back-pass to round Danny Ward and fire home.
United’s reward is a trip to Tottenham in the last eight after they eliminated a City side without Erling Haaland.
Timo Werner slotted home his first goal since March from Dejan Kulusevski’s inviting cross to open the scoring.
Pape Sarr’s long-range strike doubled Spurs’ lead before Matheus Nunes got an injury-hit City back into the tie in first-half stoppage time.
But they could not find an equalizer and Pep Guardiola showed where his priorities lie as Haaland remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
Cody Gakpo was the match-winner for Liverpool in a 3-2 win at Brighton to continue Arne Slot’s excellent start to life with the Reds.
Gakpo has not scored in the Premier League or Champions League this season but now has four goals in two League Cup games.
The Dutch international was ruthless with two powerful finishes cutting inside onto his right foot from the left wing.
Luis Diaz was also on target for Liverpool, while Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey struck late on for Brighton.
Liverpool are away to Southampton in December’s quarter-finals.
Teenager Ethan Nwaneri caught the eye with a sensational strike as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win at Championship side Preston.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz got the other goals for the Gunners.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace, who beat Aston Villa 2-1, in the quarters.
Newcastle gained revenge for their Premier League defeat at Chelsea at the weekend to ease the pressure on manager Eddie Howe.
The Saudi-backed Magpies are winless in five in the league, but are desperate to end a 55-year wait to win a major trophy.
Alexander Isak’s strike and an Axel Disasi own goal inside three first-half minutes proved decisive at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle will fancy their chances of making the last four after being handed a home draw against Brentford.
Excitement builds for SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024
- Final preparations underway at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which will host the motorsport event on Nov. 29 and 30
- It includes the latest rounds of 2 top competitions: the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe and the GT4 European Series
JEDDAH: With less than a month to go, final preparations are underway at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the SAL Jeddah GT Race 2024, which will feature the latest rounds of two prominent motorsport competitions: the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS and the GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club.
The circuit, described as the fastest street circuit in the world, will host the event on Nov. 29 and 30. It includes a six-hour, 1,000 kilometer race, in which 55 cars will compete. It is the second-longest event, in terms of distance, in the Fanatec GT World Challenge after the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa race in Belgium. The Jeddah event will also feature a 50-car, 250 kilometer GT4 contest.
The races will feature top drivers from many of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, BMW M Sport, Audi Sport and Ford. The SAL Jeddah GT Race is a new addition to the international championship calendar this year.
Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney looking to outscore Ronaldo in the SPL this season
- England international all set for Jeddah derby against Al-Ittihad on Thursday night
- Ivan Toney: We want to win the league, end of story
JEDDAH: Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney is hoping to score more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo this season — starting by netting in a Derby Week victory over Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad in the Roshn Saudi League on Thursday.
The England goalscorer, who joined Al-Ahli from Brentford in the summer, has netted three times in six Roshn Saudi League matches. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has six goals from seven Roshn Saudi League games for Al-Nassr this season.
Toney hopes to improve that tally in the Sea Derby, which kicks off at 9 p.m. local time on Thursday as Al-Ahli travel to face their city rivals Al-Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City. The big game is part of Roshn Saudi League’s innovative Derby Week, which is taking place in Matchweek 9 of the 2024/25 season.
The new Derby Week addition to the Saudi Arabian topflight also features Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr versus champions Al-Hilal, with Neymar at No. 10, at Al-Awwal Park in the Capital Derby on Friday. The Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who welcomed Real Madrid hero Nacho into their ranks in summer, is on Saturday.
Here are some of Toney’s views on a big few days ahead.
On the derby
“We know it’s going to be big. On a personal level, it is going to be my first one. I’m excited. I know derbies from my previous clubs, but I’m sure it’s nothing like being here, how much it means to everyone, and hopefully we can win.
“I think it’ll be similar (to other derbies), you know, there’ll be tackles flying in, but the fact is we’re fighting for what color we make Jeddah. Obviously, it’s special to everyone and special to the fans; obviously with them being so close, we want to make Jeddah green.”
On facing top Al-Ittihad talent
“You’ve got to do the work. It’s all well and good coming up against these players, but we’re not here to idolize these players, we’re here to beat them, and hopefully we can do that.”
Roshn Saudi League ambitions
“Obviously, we have to aim to win the league. If I was saying, ‘We’ll just try and get top three,’ what’s the point in playing the games? We want to win the league, end of story.”
Goalscoring
“I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. (Media) ask me what my target is, but it doesn’t come out. It only comes out when I’ve hit it come the end of the season! Hopefully I can keep playing well, score goals and help the team to win games.”
On scoring more or less than Cristiano Ronaldo
“Hopefully more! To be fair, I’m competing with myself really, I don’t watch what other people are doing. Obviously, Ronaldo is a top player, but I concentrate on myself and what I do best.”
Karim Benzema happy at Al-Ittihad, head coach Laurent Blanc says
- Team sits second in Saudi Pro League ahead of Thursday’s Sea Derby clash with Al-Ahli
- ‘It will be a very interesting game,’ Frenchman says
JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc says his star striker Karim Benzema is happy to be at the Jeddah club, as the French duo target victory over Al-Ahli on Thursday.
Al-Ittihad go into the Sea Derby in second place in the Roshn Saudi League, with their rivals back in 11th. Ahead of the match, Blanc, a World Cup winner with France as a player in 1998, has spoken about managing Al-Ittihad, 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, facing Ivan Toney and the big game itself.
The match, which kicks off at 9 p.m. at King Abdullah Sports City, is part of the league’s innovative Derby Week, which falls on Matchweek 9 of the 2024-25 season.
The new feature will also see Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr play champions Al-Hilal, with Neymar at No. 10, at Al Awwal Park in the Capital Derby in a mouthwatering match up on Friday. The Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who welcomed Real Madrid hero Nacho into their ranks in summer, is on Saturday.
Here are some of Blanc’s views on what promises to be a big weekend for Saudi football:
The Sea Derby
“It will be a hard game because it is a derby. But the game? I don’t know, I am not a magician. We hope we have the ball, because we want the ball in every game. Certainly, Al-Ahli will not agree with that. They are a good team with good players, so we need to be ready for a big game.
“It will be a very interesting game because on the pitch will be many good players. It will be a tough game, physically and technically. And there will be many people in the stadium to see it. I am impatient because this game is very interesting to play.
“I have been involved in a lot of derbies — in France, in England, in Spain, in Italy. It is the same way everywhere. In Saudi Arabia it is the same. You prepare for the game, you want to prepare to be ready, physically and technically. We are preparing well, I am sure. But Al-Ahli is also too. The only way is to win the game, but for now we don’t know the result. So it is the same everywhere guys, the most important thing is preparing to be ready physically and in my opinion in the derby, mentally. If you are ready mentally you can get a result, if you are not ready mentally it is very difficult.”
Benzema
“I think he is happy on the pitch and certainly off the pitch — this is very important for the player and he’s scored a lot. But this isn’t a surprise. Karim Benzema has played football for 20 years more or less and he scored a lot every year — 25, 27, 24 goals in a year. In Madrid, in Lyon and in Al-Ittihad it is the same.”
Facing Toney and Mahrez
“Everybody knows this player (Toney) is a very good player. He is a scorer too. He scored a lot of goals in England. But it’s not only Toney, they have Mahrez who we know a lot because he played in France and in England, he scored a lot. Technically he is a very, very good player. Al-Ahli is a good team. Everybody knows that.”
Building a successful team
“We need to adapt the squad to our objective. It is complicated, if you want to go to the top there is only one way and that is to win games. So the objective is big and we have to work a lot. The local players and the foreign players don’t have the same culture, so we have to work with the football but also in my opinion to be working with the human. I love to do that. Sometimes we have good results, sometimes we have bad results but we need to continue to work like this.”
