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LONDON: Al-Nassr’s surprise King’s Cup defeat at the hands of Al-Batin cost their players a bonus of at least SR25,000 ($6,668).
The Riyadh-based club had been promised by board member Saud bin Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Swailem that they would receive the bonus if they had reached the semifinal of the competition, SR50,000 if they reached the final, and SR100,000 if they won the cup for the seventh time — and the first since 1990.
But Ricardo Gomes’ side were knocked out 1-0 at home by Al-Batin on Wednesday night, ending their dreams of cup glory for another season. The team will struggle to explain the loss since they enjoyed 65 percent possession, forced 11 corners to Al-Batin’s one and had nine shots on target to the visitors’ single effort.
The only goal of the game came after 18 minutes from Al-Batin’s Brazilian striker Jhonnattann. It was the second time they had beaten Al-Nassr in a week after running out 3-0 winners in the Saudi Pro League. The back-to-back defeats will have shocked Al-Nassr, who are fourth in the table while Al-Batin are 11th.
Al-Batin will now have their eye on an unlikely King’s Cup triumph after holders Al-Hilal were knocked out in the last round. In the remaining quarterfinal ties, Al-Ittihad will play Al-Shabab, Al-Feiha will host Al-Ahli, and Al-Quadisiya will meet Al-Faisaly.