Jeddah: Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia suffered another devastating blow as Kawasaki Frontale edged Al Nassr 3-2 in a pulsating AFC Champions League Elite semi-final on Wednesday. The Japanese underdogs stunned a star-studded Al Nassr side in Jeddah to book their place in the final, where they will face Al Ahli.
Frontale’s Historic Triumph
With just one foreign player in their starting lineup, Frontale defied the odds against Al Nassr’s high-profile squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte. It’s the club’s first-ever trip to the final, making them only the fifth Japanese team to reach the showpiece of Asia’s premier club competition.
Frontale took the lead early, with Tatsuya Ito smashing a spectacular volley from the edge of the box in the 10th minute. Despite Mane equalizing after a fortunate deflection off Yuichi Maruyama, Frontale continued to press with confidence and energy.
Ronaldo Misfires in Crucial Moments
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, had a frustrating night. He crashed a header against the post in the first half and missed a golden opportunity late in the game to level the score. Despite two sharp efforts in injury time, he failed to find the net, extending his trophyless run since joining Al Nassr.
Frontale Overrun Flimsy Al Nassr Defense
Frontale reclaimed the lead before half-time through Yuto Ozeki, who pounced on a rebound after Ito’s shot was blocked. Al Nassr’s backline looked disorganized and slow, prompting coach Stefano Pioli to bring in Laporte and Angelo to stem the tide.
The changes did little to help. In the 76th minute, Erison ghosted past Laporte to deliver a pinpoint cross that Akihiro Ienaga volleyed into the net for a decisive third goal. Substitute Ayman Yahya pulled one back in stoppage time, but Al Nassr couldn’t complete the comeback.
Ronaldo’s Saudi Struggles Continue
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was meant to signal a new era of success for the Saudi Pro League. However, despite scoring goals, he remains without a major title since his arrival. His visible frustration—shaking his head and walking off in silence—sums up another campaign that fell short of expectations.
Kawasaki Frontale’s win is a testament to teamwork, tactical discipline, and fearlessness. The Japanese side, led by domestic stars and minimal big-name foreign influence, executed their plan flawlessly against one of Asia’s richest clubs.
Ito pounced on a loose ball and powered through Al Nassr’s flimsy defence only to see his effort blocked by Bento, but Yuto Ozeki finished the rebound expertly.
Al Nassr were all at sea at the back and in midfield, forcing manager Stefano Pioli to immediately make a double substitution.
Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte replaced Ali Lajami, while Ali Al Hassan made way for winger Angelo, a summer signing from Chelsea.
In the second half, Bento got a touch to deny what seemed a certain third for Frontale but it mattered little when, with 14 minutes remaining, Laporte let Erison ghost past him on the Al Nassr byline before crossing for Akihiro Ienaga to volley home.
Substitute Ayman Yahya reduced the deficit in injury time to give Al Nassr hope, with Colombia international Jhon Duran wasting a brilliant chance moments later.
Yamaguchi denied Ronaldo twice in quick succession deep into injury time, before the Portugal captain then failed to make contact when through on goal, as the Japanese side held out for a famous victory.
What’s Next?
Kawasaki Frontale will now face Al Ahli in Saturday’s final, looking to cap their incredible run with continental glory. For Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo, the wait for silverware continues—with mounting pressure as expectations remain high.
In a tournament designed to showcase the rise of Saudi football, it was the humble, homegrown brilliance of Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale that stole the spotlight.
