Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a two-game suspension after receiving his first red card in Saudi Arabia for elbowing an opponent as Al Nassr lost 1-2 to Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals.

The five-time Ballon D'Or winner, who signed for Al Nassr in December 2022, was dismissed in the 86th minute for striking Al Hilal defender Ali Al-Bulaihi.

Footage appeared to show Ronaldo raising his fist in the direction of the referee after a red card was brandished. Ronaldo then exited the field as he appeared to sarcastically clap the crowd.

According to media reports in Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old football great is set to receive a two-match ban.

“I'm not going to take credit away from Ronaldo,” Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus said about his Portuguese compatriot.

“He's still very strong, he always has been and will continue to be the most important player in the world, he's an example and a model.

“But he's not used to losing in his career, so it is natural for him to lose his head when he loses, as well as for him to lose emotional and mental focus in defeats.”

At the time of Ronaldo's dismissal, Al Nassr was losing 2-0 after Salem Al-Dawsari and Brazilian winger Malcom struck to put Al Hilal in control.

Senegalese international Sadio Mane pulled a goal back deep into added time but Hilal hung on to move into the final against Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

In 2023, the tournament was expanded from a one-off game between the league champion and King's Cup winner to include the runners-up from both competitions.

While it is Ronaldo's first red card, he received a one-game suspension in February for making an alleged offensive gesture during a Saudi Pro League game against Al Shabab.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is currently top of the scoring charts in the league with 29 goals so far, seven ahead of Al Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Al Nassr are in second place in the Saudi Premier League, 12 points behind Al Hilal with seven games remaining.

Ronaldo’s defeat in the Super Cup is likely to prolong his wait for a trophy since his move to Saudi Arabia last year.

Benzema record

Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema scored the fastest goal in Saudi Super Cup history to help secure a 2-1 win over Al Wehda and a place in the final.

Benzema pounced on a poor clearance to fire home from close range after 55 seconds and break Al Fateh striker Doris Salomo Fuakuputu's record set in the first final in 2013.

It was the French striker's first goal of 2024.

Abderrazzak Hamedallah doubled the advantage with a tap-in following a cross from Romarinho after 42
minutes.

Hussain Ahmed Al Issa got a consolation goal for Al Wehda in the dying seconds after Morocco midfielder Faycal Fajr's penalty miss in the 91st.