In a thrilling encounter at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Al-Nassr triumphed over Yokohama Marinos with a commanding score of 4-1 in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024-2025. This victory propels Al-Nassr into the semi-finals, continuing their quest for their first continental title.
The match kicked off at 10:30 PM local time on April 26, 2025, and both teams entered the game with high expectations. Al-Nassr, who finished third in the Western region with 17 points from 8 matches, faced off against Yokohama Marinos, the leaders of the Eastern region with 18 points from 7 matches. This match was crucial for both teams, as the winner would advance to face the victor of the match between Kawasaki Frontale and Al-Sadd.
Al-Nassr's lineup featured a star-studded cast, including the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside John Duran and Sadio Mane. The team was managed by Stefano Pioli, who opted for a 4-3-3 formation. The starting eleven included goalkeeper Biento, defenders Sultan Al-Ghannam, Mohammed Simaikan, Ali Lajami, and Noufal Bushal, while the midfield was anchored by Otavio Monteiro, Ali Al-Hassan, and Marcelo Brozovic.
From the outset, Al-Nassr displayed an aggressive approach, pressing Yokohama Marinos and seeking an early goal. The first major breakthrough came in the 27th minute when John Duran found the net, giving Al-Nassr a 1-0 lead. Just four minutes later, Sadio Mane doubled the advantage, scoring in the 31st minute. The home team continued to dominate, and Cristiano Ronaldo added a third goal in the 38th minute, leaving Yokohama Marinos trailing 3-0 at halftime.
As the second half commenced, Al-Nassr maintained their momentum. Duran struck again in the 49th minute, scoring his second goal of the night and extending the lead to 4-0. However, Yokohama Marinos managed to find a glimmer of hope when Kota Watanabe scored a consolation goal in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 4-1.
Despite some spirited attempts from Yokohama, including a red card shown to Watanabe in the 73rd minute, Al-Nassr's defense held firm. The Japanese side struggled to capitalize on their chances, and the match concluded with Al-Nassr securing a safe passage into the semi-finals.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Al-Nassr, who are now one step closer to claiming their first AFC Champions League title. The team has shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, especially after overcoming Esteghlal of Iran in the previous round with a 3-0 aggregate score.
Fans of Al-Nassr are now eagerly awaiting the next challenge, as they will face either Kawasaki Frontale or Al-Sadd in the semi-finals. The anticipation is palpable as the club aims to cement its legacy in Asian football.
As for Yokohama Marinos, they will need to regroup after this defeat. Despite their strong performance in the earlier rounds, including a dominant 5-1 victory over Shandong Taishan, the team could not match Al-Nassr's intensity and skill on this occasion.
The match was broadcast live across various channels, including SSC and beIN Sports, allowing fans from around the region to witness the action. Commentary was provided by notable sports commentators, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.
In summary, Al-Nassr's impressive performance against Yokohama Marinos not only secures their place in the semi-finals but also reinforces their status as a formidable contender in the AFC Champions League Elite. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge, the team is poised to make a significant impact as they continue their pursuit of Asian glory.
