Brazilian substitute Romarinho struck twice in extra time as King’s Cup holders Al Ittihad’s monumental end to a troubled campaign continued with a 4-2 victory against Saudi Professional League leaders Al Nassr.
A tense first half ended with the hosts in jubilant mood after Serbia centre forward Aleksandar Prijovic’s fiercely struck volley was flimsily palmed in by Brad Jones. The lead was then doubled upon the hour mark when Saudi Arabia winger Fahad Al Muwallad rounded the ex-Liverpool goalkeeper.
Nassr were a different proposition after the break. Prolific Morocco striker Abderrazak Hamdallah robbed the ball off teenage full-back Saud Abdulhamid and smashed home, before effortlessly dispatching an 89th-minute penalty thanks to a video-assistant review for centre-back Ahmed Assiri’s handball that moved him onto 41 goals in 31 matches.
Romarinho then converted two one-on-ones to send the King Abdullah Sports City crowd wild. Here are the talking points:
THE TIGER IS ROARING
From the lows of Slaven Bilic and a potential first relegation in 92 years of proud history, to the highs of probable SPL survival and an unthinkable shot at retaining the King’s Cup.
February’s return for Jose Luis Sierra was the best decision capricious Ittihad have made in years.
A ninth victory in 13 matches under the Chilean tactician teed up next month’s final showdown against red-hot Al Taawoun. With the likes of Al Muwallad and Morocco centre-back Manuel Da Costa in such rude form, they’ll fancy it.
CUP OF PAIN
The SPL’s top two conceded a combined nine goals during these semi-finals.
Depleted and drained Al Hilal’s 5-0 thumping by Taawoun cost beaten boss Zoran Mamic his job after just three undulating months in charge. Temporary replacement Pericles Chamusca, of Al Faisaly, is thrust straight into Monday’s SPL game in hand against the same opponent.
Nassr have seen serene progress disrupted by two worrisome defeats in their last four run-outs in all competitions.
DEFENSIVE DISASTERS
Close to 44,000 people witnessed a contest of unyielding tempo and ferocity play out in Jeddah.
What it wasn’t, however, was an advert for first-class defending.
Nassr centre-back Hawsawi was left watching shadows throughout, Abdulhamid’s lack of experience told and Assiri’s infringement was avoidable.
Such sins, as we’ve already seen, will hurt these giants in the AFC Champions League.
