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Lars Hamer

Thousands of football fans descended on Hong Kong Stadium hours before Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr took on Al-Ittihad in the first semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup on Tuesday.
All roads leading to the stadium were a sea of jerseys sporting Ronaldo’s name on the back, as thousands from Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China and Saudi Arabia made their way to the ground.
There was even one spectator wearing a shirt that combined Al-Nassr, Real Madrid and Manchester United colours and badges, all teams the Portuguese star has played for during his illustrious career.
And for those who forked out thousands of dollars and travelled hundreds of miles, it was worth every penny, as 10-man Al-Nassr won a dramatic game 2-1.
“I don’t think winning or losing is important, for most of my life I’ve always been worried I wouldn’t be able to see Ronaldo’s game,” said Man Li, who spent more than 10,000 yuan on a ticket, hotel and travel from southwest China’s Chongqing.
“It’s all worth it,” the 32-year-old manager said. “I almost went to Saudi Arabia to watch a match last year, but the timing wasn’t right. I think if I didn’t get to see him play, I’d regret it.”
And fans outside and inside the stadium brought a party atmosphere ahead of the 8pm kick off, with Al-Nassr ultras banging drums, waving flags and handing out free scarves to rally support for their side. Not that they needed to.
“I came because I like Ronaldo and I support Real Madrid,” said Grace Chan, 24, who travelled from Nanjing.
“Also, the opponents tonight have [Karim] Benzema, who is Ronaldo’s old teammate. I like Ronaldo because of his values, what he stands for, it’s very respectable.”

Shortly after 6pm, the Al-Nassr team bus rolled along Caroline Hill Road, sparking a charge of hundreds of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the star-studded line-up.
Mai Kaiqi, a 21-year-old student from Macau, had made the journey to Hong Kong on Tuesday morning and was planning to return after the game. He paid almost HK$3,000 for his ticket.
“I came because I have liked Ronaldo for a really long time, around eight years,” he said. “I think Al-Nassr will win 3-0 and he will get two goals and an assist.”
Outside the stadium, several women were selling fake Al-Nassr jerseys with Ronaldo’s name on the back. One said she had travelled from Guangdong to sell them and was charging HK$200 per shirt.
Despite the overwhelming support for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo, the Post did find several Al-Ittihad fans.
“I’m very excited for the game, I travelled from Jeddah with my younger brother,” 21-year-old student Ali Alansari said. “I’m really enjoying Hong Kong, I will stay here for 10 days, and I have a ticket for the final.”


Inside the ground, the stadium attracted 30,653 spectators, around 10,000 shy of full capacity.
But that did not stop Ronaldo fever from getting into full swing. The slightest touch from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked thunderous applause and the simultaneous raising of phone screens from the crowd.
The fixture was also an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to sell itself as a travel destination for Chinese fans, with a Visit Saudi stall handing out free gifts, including a travel guide printed in simplified Chinese.
But away from Ronaldo-mania and Saudi Arabia’s attempts to attract tourists, real football fervour could be found within Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr ultras.
In the North Stand, Al-Ittihad’s supporters were directed by one fan with a megaphone, and others with drums and large flags kept the chants going throughout the game.
Al-Nassr were in the famed South Stand below a flag that read “Nassr Army”.
“If we win, Inshallah, all our players will come and do the Viking Thunder Clap,” Mohammed Nasr, a 28-year-old Al-Nassr fan, said. “We chant, and we want to bring the Chinese people around us to join in.”


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Saudi Super Cup

Saudi Super Cup: Ronaldo fever strikes again, fans flock to stadium hours before kick-off

Fans make their way into Hong Kong Stadium for the first semi-final of the Saudi Super Cup. Photo: Elson Li

Fans try to get a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Super Cup clash with Al-Ittihad at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Lars Hamer

Saudi Super Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo’s in Hong Kong, but who else is playing?

Al-Nassr players (from left) Joao Felix, Marcelo Brozovic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane during a training session. Photo: Eugene Lee

Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 Life Museum – and Al-Nassr meet Bruce Lee

Cristiano Ronaldo visits his museum in Hong Kong on Sunday. Photo: CR7 LIFE Museum

Al-Nassr staff enjoy their trip to the CR7 Life Museum. Photo: Mike Chan

Al-Nassr staff visit the Avenue of Stars, including the Bruce Lee statue. Photo: Mike Chan

Sport

China

Football

Hong Kong

Fans wait for glimpse of global superstar ahead of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad clashing in first semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium


Fans wait for glimpse of global superstar ahead of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad clashing in first semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium.


Al-Hilal Football Club

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al-Nassr

Karim Benzema

Saudi Super Cup: Ronaldo fever strikes again, fans flock to stadium hours before kick-off

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Fans wait for glimpse of global superstar ahead of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad clashing in first semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium

Fans wait for glimpse of global superstar ahead of Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad clashing in first semi-final at Hong Kong Stadium