Al Nassr’s dream of reaching the AFC Champions League final came to an end on Wednesday as the Saudi club, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, suffered a 2-3 home defeat to Kawasaki Frontale.
Despite their captain’s constant presence in attack and leadership on the field, the Japanese side capitalized on defensive lapses and counterattacks to secure their ticket to the May 3 final. Goals from Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya weren’t enough to overturn the early advantage built by Kawasaki’s Tatsuya Ito, Yuto Ozeki, and Akihiro Ienaga.
The match marked the most important moment in Ronaldo’s tenure with Al Nassr so far, as the Portuguese star sought to lead the team to its first continental final since 1995.
Though he didn’t find the back of the net, Ronaldo remained a central figure, pushing his teammates and drawing defenders to create space in the final third. However, Al Nassr’s efforts fell just short in the closing minutes despite a late surge and home-field pressure.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s message
After the heartbreaking loss, Cristiano Ronaldo addressed fans through his Instagram account, sharing a message of resilience and gratitude: “Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch.” He wrote, “Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world.”
What’s next for Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo finishes the AFC Champions League as Al Nassr’s top scorer, netting six goals, but the team’s loss in the semifinal marks a setback in their continental ambitions. With exits from the Saudi King’s Cup and a third-place standing in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr now faces a crucial period.
The focus shifts to securing a strong finish in the league while planning for future continental competitions. Meanwhile, Kawasaki Frontale advances to the AFC Champions League final, where they will face Al Ahli in Jeddah.