Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr’s journey at the AFC Champions League 2024-25 has come to a screeching halt as J-League side Kawasaki Frontale defeated them in the semi-finals 3-2 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Tatsuya Ito had opened the goal-scoring account for Kawasaki and it was Sadio Mane of Al-Nassr, who equalised for the Saudi Pro League side. Al-Nassr, who were touted to go to the finals, suffered a shocking defeat – this defeat will sting Cristiano Ronaldo and co. for a long period of time.
Yuto Ozeki scored another goal in the 41st minute of the game and made sure that Kawasaki have their noses ahead at the half-time. Akihiro Ienaga scored another goal in the 2nd half and made life extremely tough for Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were trailing by 2 goals and they needed something dramatic and magical to stage a comeback and win the game. The mountain which they were chasing, became even more steeper.
Ayman Yahya did score a goal in the 87th minute of the game but it was a bit too late. Al-Nassr did try their level best to score the equaliser in the dying minutes of regulation time in the game and during the injury time – but it was a tough ask for them.
Al-Ahli Saudi become the other team to advance to the finals
Al-Ahli Saudi outclassed Al-Hilal 3-1 in the other semi-final of the AFC Champions League 2024-25 to cement their place in the finals of this prestigious competition of Asia. Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney and Feras Abrikan had netted the goals for Al-Ahli Saudi and had made sure that they outfox Al-Hilal.
Salem Aldawsari had scored the lone goal for Al-Hilal in this game in the 42nd minute of the game. For most parts of the 2nd half, Al-Ahli Saudi were playing with a 10-man side as Kalidou Koulibaly was brandished with a red card in this match.
