In a stunning display of football prowess, Al Nassr triumphed over Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos with a decisive 4-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite on April 26, 2025. The match, held in Jeddah, showcased the talents of Al Nassr's star-studded lineup, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, as they secured their place in the semifinals.
The match began with a flurry of action, as Jhon Duran, a recent signing from Aston Villa for over $100 million, opened the scoring for Al Nassr in the 27th minute. Duran capitalized on a miscue by Yokohama's Thomas Deng, whose attempted clearance hit the post, allowing Duran to slot the ball home easily. This early goal set the tone for the match, igniting Al Nassr's offensive momentum.
Just four minutes later, Sadio Mane doubled the lead for Al Nassr with a powerful left-footed shot from the left side of the area, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision. Mane's goal not only highlighted his importance to the team but also brought him closer to making history as the first player to win both the AFC Champions League and the UEFA Champions League, a feat he could achieve alongside Ronaldo and Aymeric Laporte if Al Nassr continues their successful run.
As the first half progressed, Al Nassr continued to dominate, and Cristiano Ronaldo added to the scoreline just before halftime. Following a deflected strike from Marcelo Brozovic that was poorly handled by Yokohama goalkeeper Park Il-kyu, Ronaldo was perfectly positioned to pounce on the loose ball, netting his eighth goal of the tournament and marking his 33rd goal of the season across all competitions.
After the break, Al Nassr wasted no time in extending their lead. Just four minutes into the second half, Duran struck again, scoring his second goal of the match. Ali Al Hassan played a pivotal role in the buildup, dispossessing Yokohama's Riku Yamane before passing to Otavio, whose shot was parried by Park. Duran was quick to react, tapping in the rebound to make it 4-0.
Despite the scoreline, Yokohama F. Marinos managed to find a consolation goal in the 68th minute, with substitute Kota Watanabe finding the bottom corner of the net. However, Watanabe's night took a turn for the worse when he received a second yellow card in the 73rd minute, leaving his team with ten men and little hope of a comeback.
Al Nassr's victory marks a historic moment in the AFC Champions League, as it is the first time in the tournament's history that three teams from the same nation have qualified for the semifinals. Alongside Al Nassr, fellow Saudi clubs Al Ahli and Al Hilal also secured their spots in the last four. Al Ahli defeated Buriram United of Thailand 3-0, with Riyad Mahrez and Galeno each scoring early in the match, while Roberto Firmino capped off the scoring.
With the semifinals on the horizon, Al Nassr will face the winner of the upcoming match between Al Sadd of Qatar and Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, scheduled for April 27, 2025. The anticipation is palpable as the tournament heads toward its final showdown, set to take place on May 3, 2025, at Alinma Stadium.
As Al Nassr's players celebrate their hard-fought victory, Sadio Mane reflected on the team's performance, stating, "It was a very important win, but we have to step up for the next round. Let's keep pushing together. We know the target, but we have to take it step by step and win it together." With the momentum on their side, Al Nassr is poised to make a serious run for their first-ever continental title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Al Nassr and their quest for glory. With a formidable lineup and a determined mindset, they are ready to face any challenge that comes their way in the semifinals.
