Latest news with #DaniloPereira
Leaders
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Leaders
Jeddah Prepares for King's Cup Grand Finale Showdown on 30 May
The highly anticipated Saudi King's Cup 2025 final approaches, igniting passion across the Kingdom. Al-Ittihad will fiercely clash with Al-Qadsiah for the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Cup. The Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) announced that the game will be held on Friday, 30 May, 2025, at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City. This historic encounter marks Al-Qadsiah's first-ever final appearance, while Al-Ittihad aim to add a tenth title to their storied legacy. Road to the Final Al-Ittihad, current Saudi Pro League leaders, battled fiercely through knockout rounds, including a penalty shootout victory over Al-Hilal in the quarterfinals. Their dramatical semifinal clash against Al-Shabab saw Danilo Pereira's heroic brace in extra time, overturning a deficit to secure a 3-2 win. Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah defied expectations with a dominant run, netting nine goals in three matches, with forward Julián Quiñones leads this edition's scoring charts with five goals. Their semi-final victory over Al-Raed highlighted their defensive prowess, boasting the league's best defensive record this season conceding 27 goals. Echoes from a Storied Past The King's Cup boasts a long and illustrious history, dating back to its inception. Al-Ahli proudly hold the record for the most titles, having lifted the trophy 13 times, while the reigning champions, Al-Hilal, are following closely with 11 victories, consistently proving their championship caliber. Al-Nassr also feature prominently with 5 cup wins, adding to the competition's rich tapestry. Furthermore, the winner of the tournament will qualify for the group stage of the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two, adding an extra layer of competition and prestige to the event. Winning the King's Cup brings immense prestige and a coveted place in Saudi football history. Beyond the glory, substantial financial rewards also await the participating teams in the final. The champions of the 2025 King's Cup will receive a handsome prize of SAR5.5m, while the runners-up will also be well compensated, taking home SAR4m for their efforts. These prizes underscore the significance of the competition and reward the teams' hard work. Will Al-Ittihad's experience prevail, or will Al-Qadsiah's Cinderella story culminate in triumph? With Benzema's leadership and Al-Qadsiah's resilient backline, this clash promises drama worthy of Saudi football's grandest stage. Short link : Post Views: 97
Saudi Gazette
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Danilo Pereira fires Al Ittihad into King's Cup final with dramatic stoppage-time double
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Veteran Portuguese midfielder Danilo Pereira delivered a King's Cup semi-final performance for the ages, scoring twice in stoppage time to lead Al Ittihad to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Al Shabab at King Abdullah Sports City on Tuesday night. Pereira's late heroics came after Al Ittihad had squandered a first-half lead, with Cristian Guanca netting a quickfire double for Al Shabab in the second half. But Pereira turned the tide with two goals deep into injury time, securing a memorable "Eid gift" for the club's passionate supporters and sending the reigning league champions to the King's Cup final. Al Ittihad started brightly and earned a penalty in the 13th minute after Abdulrahman Al-Aboud was fouled by Robert Renan — a decision confirmed by VAR. Fabinho stepped up and coolly converted to make it 1-0. The hosts continued to press and nearly doubled their lead through Hamed Al-Ghamdi, whose close-range effort was denied by a brilliant save from Georgi Bushchan after a pinpoint pass from Moussa Shabab, however, grew into the game and almost leveled on the stroke of halftime. Daniel Podence rattled the post with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, and moments later Yannick Carrasco was denied by Predrag Rajković, who blocked his shot with his the restart, Al Shabab looked sharper and equalized in the 64th minute with a stunning long-range effort from Guanca, before the Argentine forward completed the turnaround three minutes later with a close-range header off a Carrasco night ended prematurely due to an apparent leg injury, leaving Al Shabab to defend their lead without their key Ittihad pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer. In the 91st minute, Karim Benzema nearly leveled with a fierce shot that struck the side just a minute later, Pereira pounced. After a Benzema header was parried by Bushchan, Danilo reacted quickest to nod home the rebound and make it final blow came in the 99th minute, when a failed clearance from a corner dropped to Pereira, who slammed the ball in from close range to complete a stunning comeback and send Al Ittihad into the Ittihad will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Al Qadsiah and Al Raed, scheduled for Wednesday.
