Many international newspapers have highlighted the victory of the Saudi club Al-Hilal over its rival Al-Ahly, on penalties (4-1), at the end of regulation time, with a goal to equal, in the semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup in Diriyah.
Al-Hilal team has booked its ticket for the final match of the competition, awaiting the winner of the Al-Nasr and Al-Taawoun match, which will take place on Wednesday evening, August 14.
Brazilian Roberto Firmino gave Al-Ahly the lead in the 66th minute, and while the match was heading towards an Al-Raqi victory, Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia managed to equalize, thanks to Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 90th minute. Penalties were necessary, which allowed Al Hilal to win by a score of (4-1), thanks to a remarkable brilliance from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Spanish newspaper “Marca” praised Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, stressing that the Moroccan international was the main reason for his team’s ticket to the final.
The popular newspaper added: “Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal continued their unbeaten run domestically since last year, after beating Al-Ahly… It looked like the game would go to Matthias Jaissel’s team with a goal from Firmino, but Mitrovic had a different opinion and made the match go to penalties, where Bono carried the day as usual, like a hero.
At the end of the Marca report it was stated: “From 11 meters, coach Jorge Jesus’ men were very confident in their shots, unlike Al-Ahly, who missed two shots after Bono’s magnificent save on Gabriel Vega’s kick and Roger Ibañez’s shot, which went wide of the goal.”
For its part, the Brazilian channel “Globo Sport” headlined the match by stating: “Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia wins on penalties and qualifies for the Super Cup final… Jorge Jesus’ team draws in the final minutes of regulation time with Al-Ahly, and goalkeeper Bono shines in the penalty shootout.”
It should be noted that Al-Hilal was the champion of the last edition, since it won the title after its victory over Al-Ittihad (4-1).
