JEDDAH — Kawasaki Frontale stunned a packed King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Wednesday night, edging past Saudi giants Al-Nassr 3-2 in a dramatic AFC Champions League Elite semifinal that ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the continental trophy.
In a match that ebbed and flowed with intensity, Kawasaki took the lead in the 10th minute through a Tatsuya Ito fantastic volley, who pounced on an opportunity to slot past goalkeeper Bento coolly. The Japanese visitors controlled the pace, keeping Al-Nassr’s star-studded attack at bay.
But the hosts hit back before halftime. Sadio Mané took responsibility and scored an equalizer in the 28th minute. But right before halftime, Yuto Ozeki restored Kawasaki's lead after another brilliant contribution by Ito.
Al-Nassr tried to take over the match in the second half, but smart changes by Shigetoshi Hasebe, closed the angles for the Saudis, and Akihiro Ienaga extended it to 3–1 in the 76th minute, after a smart move by Brazilian substitution, Erison.
Ayman Yahya pulled one back for the Nasrawys late in the game, but despite Ronaldo's efforts, including a missed opportunity in stoppage time, Kawasaki held on to secure their first-ever spot in the AFC Champions League Elite final.
Kawasaki’s composure, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing proved decisive. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, it’s another bitter blow on the continental stage.
Photo courtesy: The Asian Football Confederation official X account.
Kawasaki beat Ronaldo's Al-Nassr 3-2 in Jeddah to reach the AFC Champions League Elite final in a thriller full of drama and late goals.