Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Ronaldo’s Asian dream dashed as Kawasaki Frontale stun Al-Nassr 3-2 to reach a historic first final

King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah fell silent just ten minutes into the semi-final when Tatsuya Ito—who created nine chances across the tie—hammered a deflected cross past David Ospina with a sumptuous volley. Although Sadio Mané hauled Al-Nassr level on 28 minutes, converting Nawaf Boushal’s low pass for his 17th goal of the season, Kawasaki Frontale never lost their nerve. The four-time J1 League champions, boasting an 83 per cent pass-completion rate on the night, reclaimed the lead on the stroke of half-time through Yuto Ozeki after another Ito solo surge.

Luis Castro’s men dominated possession after the break, yet the visitors struck again: super-sub Akihiro Ienaga finished coolly on 76 minutes from Erison’s cut-back, capping a sequence of 21 uninterrupted Kawasaki passes. Cristiano Ronaldo—97 goals in 108 Al-Nassr outings but only one minor trophy since arriving in January 2023—thumped a header off the bar and bent two late free-kicks centimetres wide. Ayman Yahya’s 88th-minute reply set up a frenetic finale, but goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi preserved the 3-2 scoreline with a pair of stoppage-time saves.

Kawasaki Frontale will now contest the AFC Champions League Elite final against Al-Ahli on 3 May, while Al-Nassr stare at a second straight season without major silverware ahead of their top-of-the-table Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Ittihad on 7 May.

Follow Betway Arabia for unrivalled news, odds insights and expert analysis on all major regional sport.

Blog / Ronaldo’s Asian dream dashed as Kawasaki Frontale stun Al-Nassr 3-2 to reach a historic first final

Search Results

Ronaldo’s Asian dream dashed as Kawasaki Frontale stun Al-Nassr 3-2 to reach a historic first final

Search

Most Read

Betway becomes Global Betting Partner of Arsenal

The week of crises

Wounded Milan Faces the Obstacle of the Rich Newcastle

Two former champions searching for glory

Liverpool are facing a serious challenge during their visit to London