Ronaldo and Otávio will be absent from the Asian Champions Cup final.
Loss and Letdown: Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr Eliminated from Asian Champions League Final
The day after Al Hilal's exit from the Asian Champions League semi-finals, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr was caught off guard by Kawasaki Frontale (2-3) on April 30, 2025. The loss drenched Ronaldo's hopes of battling for one of Asia's most coveted football trophies.
From the get-go, the Japanese team's gutsy performance rattled Al Nassr. In the 10th minute, Tatsuya Ito struck first, leaving a grumpy CR7 fuming over the team's passive defense.
Sadio Mané attempted to balance the score before the 30th minute but was overshadowed by Ozeki, who capitalized on another Al Nassr defensive blunder to make it 1-2, just before halftime.
In the second half, Kawasaki Frontale continued to outplay the Portuguese duo, scoring a third goal with a carefully-executed finish by Ienaga in the 76th minute. Al Nassr came close to a comeback with a Yahya goal in the 87th minute, but the damage was already done.
A Tearful Wish: Cristiano Ronaldo Gives a Little Boy His Jersey
Amidst the disappointment, the Portuguese star took a moment to grant a young ball boy's wish, handing over his jersey with a warm smile.
Fan Disapproval: Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Fan Chanting
With the defeat, Al Nassr's elimination from the Asian Champions League final was confirmed, a repeat of what had happened to Jorge Jesus, Rúben Neves, and João Cancelo, who had lost to them the previous day.
Though the loss is a setback, Cristiano Ronaldo remains hopeful, eager to bring the trophy to Saudi Arabia. The team will regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
Also Read:- The Agony. Al-Hilal, Coached by Jorge Jesus, Misses Asian Champions League Final- Unforgettable Moment: Cristiano Ronaldo Granting a Little Boy His Jersey- Frustration. Fans Chant for Cristiano Ronaldo, and He Responds in a Unique Way
Lineups- Al Nassr- Kawasaki
Preview- Al Nassr will face off against Kawasaki Frontale in the second semi-final of the Asian Champions League, following Al Hilal's elimination by Al-Ahli Jeddah.- The game is scheduled to start at 17:30 (Continental Portugal time) in Jeddah, and supporters can follow the match live on Desporto ao Minuto.
- After Al Nassr's elimination from the Asian Champions League Final, Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly granted a little boy his jersey amidst the disappointment, bringing a moment of joy amid the sorrow.
- The Japanese team, Kawasaki Frontale, surprised Al Nassr with their gutsy performance, which resulted in a 2-3 victory that ended Ronaldo's hopes of battling for Asia's most coveted football trophy.
- Despite the fan chanting and frustration following Al Nassr's elimination, Cristiano Ronaldo remains hopeful, expressing his intention to bring the trophy to Saudi Arabia.
- In the upcoming game against Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League, Pioli and his Al Nassr team will be looking to regroup and prepare for their next challenge, aiming to put their latest disappointment behind them.
