Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr Knocked Out of Asian Champions League by Japan's Kawasaki Frontale

Kawasaki Frontale Stun Al-Nassr 3-2 to Reach First-Ever ACL Final

Jeddah, May 1 — In a major upset at the Asian Champions League Elite semi-final, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr 3-2, securing their place in the tournament final for the first time in the club’s history. Despite late efforts from star players Sadio Mane and Ayman Yahya, Al-Nassr fell short, marking a disappointing end to their continental campaign.

Early Lead Sets the Tone for Kawasaki

Kawasaki Frontale, riding high after their quarter-final win over Qatar’s Al-Sadd, came into the semi-final with confidence and aggression. The breakthrough came early in the 10th minute, when Tatsuya Ito launched a spectacular volley to give the Japanese side a 1-0 lead, shocking the home crowd in Jeddah.

Mane’s Equaliser, But Al-Nassr Trail at Half-Time

Al-Nassr struck back in the 28th minute when Sadio Mane’s shot, deflected off Kawasaki defender Maruyama, leveled the score at 1-1. Ronaldo attempted to build on the momentum with a powerful header and an overhead kick, but the Japanese defense stood firm.

Just before the half-time whistle, Yuto Ozeki capitalized on a rebound following a save by Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento to restore Kawasaki’s lead at 2-1, heading into the break with the advantage.

Inaga’s Winner Seals the Shock Victory

In the second half, Al-Nassr intensified their offensive push, but Akihiro Inaga sealed the result in the 76th minute. Substituted midfielder Erison threaded a precise pass to Inaga, who finished clinically to make it 3-1. Although Ayman Yahya gave Al-Nassr late hope with a long-range strike in the 87th minute, it wasn’t enough.

In stoppage time, Cristiano Ronaldo made two attempts to equalize, but Kawasaki goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong produced brilliant saves to deny him.

Kawasaki Make History

With the win, Kawasaki Frontale become the first Japanese club to reach the final under the new Asian Champions League Elite format, cementing their place in Asian football history. Al-Nassr, one of the highest-spending clubs in the Saudi Pro League and bolstered by global stars like Ronaldo and Mane, exit the tournament in disappointment.