Though there is a noticeably larger number of Saudi football fans at stadium overall, black clouds put a damper on the occasion
Thousands of fans descended on Hong Kong Stadium to watch Cristiano Ronaldo in the final of the Saudi Super Cup on Saturday, although the supercharged atmosphere that followed the footballing superstar to the arena earlier this week was somewhat reduced.
Two hours before Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr kicked off against Al-Ahli Saudi, hundreds of Chinese fans had already arrived at the stadium in Causeway Bay. On Tuesday, the streets surrounding the arena were packed, as thousands of spectators eagerly awaited the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival.
And while the black clouds of the No 1 typhoon signal threatened to put a damper on proceedings, the number of those supporting Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Saudi Arabian football in general had grown.
“I like both clubs, but my wife supports Ahli. I’m just here to show support for Saudi football,” said 58-year-old Salim Alsiari. “We were also here for the Al-Ahli game against Qadsiah.”
