April 30, 2025
Al-Nassr have been eliminated from the Asian Champions League as they lost to Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-finals.
The Saudi side fell 3-2 against the Japanese to miss a chance in the Champions League showpiece.
Kawasaki took the lead within 10 minutes from kick-off as Tatsuya Ito broke the deadlock with a marvellous volley.
Marcinho made a brilliant move from as he dribbled past his marker before floating a cross which was intercepted by Mohamed Simakan. However, the ball went straight towards Ito, who scored with a first-time shot from the edge of the area.
Al-Nassr recovered quickly as they got an equaliser, courtesy of Sadio Mane. The Senegalese found the net after been assisted by Nawaf Boushal.
Cristiano Ronaldo almost gave his side the lead in the 33rd minute, but his mistimed header came off the crossbar.
The Japanese side then stunned Stefano Pioli’s Al-Nassr as restored their lead before halftime through Yuto Ozeki. Ito once again played a crucial part in the build-up as he made a solo run, before taking a shot which was blocked by Bento, but Ozeki scored from the rebound.
Kawasaki sealed the contest as they made it 3-1 in the 76th minute, with substitute Akihiro Ienaga scoring the winning goal from Erison’s assist.
Al-Nassr reduced the goal deficit as Ayman Yahya pulled one back towards the end of the match.
However, it was not enough to rescue the Saudis from crashing out, capping yet another frustrating season for Ronaldo.
The Portuguese is yet to win a major title for Al-Nassr since joining them in January 2023.
Kawasaki Frontale will then face another Saudi team in the final, as Al-Ahli defeated Al-Hilal to reach the ACL final.
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