In the early hours of today, while the European top 5 leagues are temporarily on a break for the 2024/25 season, football fans witnessed a night filled with both joy and sorrow in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Spanish Super Cup semi-finals saw Real Madrid face off against Mallorca, competing for a spot in the final. Meanwhile, in the Saudi league, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr at home against Al Kawkab. Additionally, in the Turkish Super League, Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce challenged Kasimpasa away from home, with mixed fortunes for each team.
Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca
Real Madrid has recently shown a resurgence in form, remaining unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across various competitions. They have overtaken Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga to top the standings, becoming strong contenders for the title. The chemistry between Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham is deepening. In the first semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to advance to the final. Mallorca, the dark horse of this season's La Liga, ranks sixth in the table and was the runner-up in last season's Copa del Rey. The two teams drew 1-1 in their first league encounter this season.
During the match, Real Madrid had 16 shots in the first half but failed to score. In the 62nd minute, Rodrigo was fouled at midfield, and Bellingham quickly took the free-kick, passing to Mbappe who then passed to Vinicius. Vinicius broke through and crossed the ball, with Rodrigo's header hitting the post! Mbappe's follow-up shot was saved by the goalkeeper! Bellingham followed up again, scoring! Real Madrid led 1-0 against Mallorca. In the 90+2 minute, Dias' through ball found Mbappe in the penalty area, resulting in an own goal! Real Madrid led 2-0 against Mallorca. In the 90+5 minute, Vazquez crossed from the right, and Rodrigo scored to seal the 3-0 victory.
Kasimpasa 0-3 Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce finished second in the Turkish Super League last season with 99 points. This summer, they made changes, inviting Mourinho to coach the team. However, since Mourinho took over, the results have not been ideal. They lost to Lille in the Champions League qualifiers, missing out on the group stage, and have also lost two matches in the domestic league, falling eight points behind leaders Galatasaray, making it difficult to compete for the title.
The match started with Tosun assisting En-Nesyri to open the scoring in just two minutes. In the 27th minute, Muldur assisted Akchek to extend the lead. During stoppage time in the first half, Elmas scored another goal. There were no further goals in the second half, and Fenerbahce won 3-0 away against Kasimpasa.
Al Nassr 3-1 Al Kawkab
After a one-month break, the Saudi league resumed. With Ronaldo joining Al Nassr, he helped kickstart the golden age of football in Saudi Arabia. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Saudi Arabia successfully secured the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup. Ronaldo's contract is set to expire this summer, and he has yet to renew with Al Nassr. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has not won any championships.
During the match, in the 5th minute, Al Kawkab struck quickly! Basoogo crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and Laporte's attempted clearance turned into an assist as Goodwin volleyed the ball into the net, putting Al Nassr down 0-1 against Al Kawkab. In the 28th minute, Al Nassr equalized! Otavio crossed from the left to the back post where Ganam headed the ball, which was saved by the goalkeeper, but Mane followed up to score, leveling the match at 1-1. In the 39th minute, Al Nassr was awarded a penalty! Mane was brought down in the box by Damien Lopez, and the referee awarded a penalty. Ronaldo then converted the penalty, scoring his 917th career goal, putting Al Nassr ahead 2-1. In the 88th minute, Al Nassr sealed the game! Ganam crossed from the right to the front of the goal where Mane headed the ball in, securing a 3-1 victory for Al Nassr.