Ronaldo’s Al Nassr crash out of AFC semis against Kawasaki
Kawasaki took the lead through Tatsuya Ito, before Al Nassr's Sadio Mané equalized in the 28th minute.
KATHMANDU: Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, captained by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, were knocked out of the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday in Jeddah.
Kawasaki took the lead through Tatsuya Ito, before Al Nassr’s Sadio Mané equalized in the 28th minute.
However, the Japanese side quickly regained their advantage, with Yuto Ozeki finding the net in the 41st minute.
Kawasaki extended their lead to 3-1 in the 76th minute thanks to Akihiro Ienaga’s well-placed strike. Al Nassr’s Iman Yahya pulled one back in the 87th minute, sparking hopes of a comeback.
Despite intense pressure in the dying minutes and a series of chances— including two free-kicks and a clear opportunity— Ronaldo was unable to find the back of the net, leaving Al Nassr just short of a spot in the final.
In the other semifinal held on Tuesday, Al Ahli defeated fellow Saudi side Al Hilal to book their place in the final.
The AFC Champions League Elite final will take place this Saturday in Jeddah.
