Champions League Semi-Finals: Elimination of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
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Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr bit the dust in the Asian Champions League Elite as Japan's Kawasaki Frontale flipped the script with a thrilling 3-2 semi-final victory on Wednesday. They're off to their first-ever continental final now.
Just hours later, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were sent packing, losers against the Vancouver Whitecaps in their Concacaf last-four clash.
In Jeddah, Al-Nassr - the big-money Saudi Pro League side - crumbled when Yuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga struck after Sadio Mane's deflected goal in the 28th minute had canceled out Tatsuya Ito's 10th-minute opener for the J-League side. Aiman Yahya fired one in from distance with three minutes remaining, but Frontale held strong.
Come Saturday, Kawasaki will square off against another Saudi side, Al-Ahli, who sport a star-studded roster of international players, vying for their inaugural continental title.
Al-Nassr's gaffer, Stefano Pioli, pinned the loss on a sloppy, error-filled performance[2]. Ronaldo missed a last-ditch shot, and other crucial moments were squandered[1][4]. Additionally, the team failed to execute strategically despite having the financial means to field a formidable squad[2][4]. So there you have it - money can't buy everything, it seems.
- Lionel Messi's Inter Miami exited the Concacaf last-four clash spectacularly, losing against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
- In the European Champions League, it was Messi's rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw his new team Al-Nassr bite the dust, as they lost to Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League semifinals.
- Al-Ahli, another Saudi side with a star-studded roster, will face Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League final, aiming for their inaugural continental title.
- Despite having the financial means to field a formidable squad, Al-Nassr, the big-money Saudi Pro League side, failed to execute strategically, leading to their loss against Kawasaki Frontale.
