Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Otávio are still waiting for their first trophy with the Saudi Arabian club. The team was knocked out of the Asian Champions League semifinals by Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday. The final will be held in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
A Promising Start Fizzles Out
Stefano Pioli’s side got off to a strong start, with Jhon Durán threatening early on. But it was Tatsuya Ito who stole the show with a stunning volley that left Bento with no chance. The Japanese winger’s goal gave Kawasaki the lead just after 10 minutes.
TATSUYA ITO. WHAT A STRIKE. 😱
Kawasaki takes the early lead over Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League semi’s 👀 pic.twitter.com/a1kou0ur2V
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 30, 2025
Al Nassr fought back, with Sadio Mané equalizing before halftime with a beautifully placed shot. But their joy was short-lived, as Yuto Ozeki restored Kawasaki’s lead just five minutes later.
Kawasaki’s Clinical Finishing
The second half saw Al Nassr push hard for a equalizer, but Kawasaki’s defense held firm. The Japanese side continued to threaten on the counter, and their efforts were rewarded when Akihiro Ienaga scored his side’s third goal. Erison’s assist set up the veteran’s clinical finish.
Erison skips past Aymeric Laporte and puts it on a plate for 38-year-old Akihiro Ienaga 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IVqdFIo9l2
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 30, 2025
A late consolation goal from Ayman Yahya reduced the deficit, but it was too little, too late for Al Nassr.
Back-to-Back Portuguese Exits
The elimination marks the second consecutive year that a Portuguese manager has failed to reach the Asian Champions League final. Jorge Jesus’s team was knocked out last year, and now it’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Otávio’s turn to watch the final from the sidelines. The Kawasaki Frontale will face Al Ahli in the final.
Joli but de Sadio Mane en demi finale de Ligue des Champions asiatique pour égaliser ! 🇸🇳🦁
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) April 30, 2025
🇯🇵 𝑮𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑶𝑳
⏰️ 40′ AL NASSR 1 x 2 KAWASAKI
⚽️ Yuto OzekiO Al Nassr é incrível.
O time japonês volta a liderar o jogo!
— Central do Arabão (@centraldoarabao) April 30, 2025
Al Nassr umudunu taze tutuyor! 🌟
Ayman Yahya’nın golüyle skor 3-2’ye geldi.#DSmart #DSmartGO pic.twitter.com/oHbTjeCJOb
— D-Smart Spor (@SporSmart_) April 30, 2025