João Félix Scores Twice as Al-Nassr Overcome Al-Diriyah in King's Cup

Al-Nassr booked their place in the last 16 of the Saudi King's Cup after recovering from an early setback to defeat Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the Round of 32.

The Riyadh club fell behind after just two minutes but responded strongly, scoring four unanswered goals to complete a convincing comeback at Al-Awwal Park Stadium on Tuesday evening.

João Félix was the standout performer, scoring twice as Al-Nassr turned a difficult opening into a comfortable victory.

Al-Diriyah Strike Early

Al-Diriyah stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in only the second minute.

Oscar Rodriguez found the breakthrough, giving the visitors an unexpected advantage and forcing Al-Nassr to respond immediately.

The early goal, however, failed to disrupt Al-Nassr for long.

Simakan Levels the Match

Al-Nassr quickly increased the pressure and were rewarded in the 11th minute.

French defender Mohamed Simakan found the equaliser after Al-Nassr had applied sustained attacking pressure.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly towards the home side as Al-Nassr began to control the contest.

João Félix Turns the Game Around

The comeback was completed before halftime.

João Félix put Al-Nassr ahead in the 35th minute, giving the hosts their first lead of the evening.

Just two minutes later, Abdullah Al-Hamdan added another to make it 3-1.

Al-Nassr therefore entered halftime with a two-goal advantage after responding emphatically to Al-Diriyah's early opener.

Félix Completes His Brace

Al-Diriyah attempted to reduce the deficit after the interval but struggled to find a way back into the match.

Al-Nassr maintained control and eventually extended their advantage in the 68th minute.

João Félix scored again to complete his brace and make it 4-1.

The Portuguese forward's second goal effectively ended any hopes of an Al-Diriyah comeback.

Al-Nassr Reach King's Cup Last 16

The victory sends Al-Nassr through to the Round of 16 of the 2026/27 King's Cup.

Despite conceding inside the opening two minutes, the Riyadh side responded with four goals and produced a dominant comeback.

For João Félix, the brace provides a major contribution in a cup competition where Al-Nassr will now look to continue their pursuit of silverware.

Match Highlights

Al-Nassr 4-1 Al-Diriyah

• 2' — Oscar Rodriguez: Al-Diriyah take an early lead.
• 11' — Mohamed Simakan: Al-Nassr equalise.
• 35' — João Félix: Al-Nassr move ahead.
• 37' — Abdullah Al-Hamdan: Al-Nassr extend their lead.
• 68' — João Félix: Félix completes his brace.
• Al-Nassr advance to the King's Cup Round of 16.

Why It Matters

Al-Nassr showed strong character after falling behind almost immediately. Rather than allowing the early setback to dictate the match, they responded with four goals and controlled the remainder of the contest.

João Félix's two goals were particularly significant as Al-Nassr began their King's Cup campaign with a convincing victory.

Deal Summary

Competition: Saudi King's Cup

Round: Round of 32

Result: Al-Nassr 4-1 Al-Diriyah

Venue: Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Riyadh

Al-Nassr Goals: Mohamed Simakan, João Félix (2), Abdullah Al-Hamdan

Al-Diriyah Goal: Oscar Rodriguez

Result: Al-Nassr advance to the Round of 16

Key Takeaways

• Al-Nassr defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King's Cup.
• Al-Diriyah scored after just two minutes through Oscar Rodriguez.
• Mohamed Simakan equalised in the 11th minute.
• João Félix scored twice for Al-Nassr.
• Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net.
• Al-Nassr advanced to the Round of 16.

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