Kawasaki Frontale made history on May 1, 2025, by defeating Al-Nassr 3-2 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, securing their first-ever spot in the final of this prestigious tournament. The match took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a thrilling contest that saw both teams exchange goals in a high-stakes environment.
The game kicked off at 1:30 AM Japan time, and it didn't take long for Kawasaki Frontale to assert their dominance. In the 10th minute, Ito Tatsuki opened the scoring with a stunning direct volley after a cross from Marcinho was cleared but fell kindly to him. This early goal set the tone for the match, igniting Kawasaki's confidence as they pushed forward.
However, Al-Nassr, featuring the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, responded quickly to the challenge. The Saudi side equalized in the 28th minute when Sadio Mane, after a well-crafted team play, managed to score following a deflection off defender Yuichi Maruyama, leaving goalkeeper Rui Yamaguchi with no chance.
Despite the setback, Kawasaki Frontale regained the lead just before halftime. In the 41st minute, a determined play from Ito saw him break into the box, and although his shot was saved by Al-Nassr's goalkeeper, Ozeki Tomohiro was on hand to tap in the rebound, making it 2-1 as the teams headed into the break.
Both teams made tactical adjustments during halftime, with Kawasaki bringing on Ellison and Wakisaka Taito to refresh their attack. The second half saw Al-Nassr ramping up the pressure, desperately seeking to equalize again. Kawasaki, however, held firm, displaying resilient defending even after suffering an injury to midfielder Kengo Tachibana, who had to be substituted in the 60th minute.
As the match progressed, Kawasaki capitalized on a crucial moment in the 76th minute. Ellison, after a strong run down the left, delivered a perfect pass to Akihiro Ienaga, who finished clinically to extend Kawasaki's lead to 3-1. This goal seemed to put Kawasaki in a commanding position.
But Al-Nassr wasn't done yet. In the 87th minute, Ayman Yahya struck a powerful shot that found the back of the net, narrowing the score to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish. Despite Al-Nassr's late surge, Kawasaki Frontale held their nerve, and the match concluded with them emerging victorious.
With this win, Kawasaki Frontale not only secured a place in the final but also made history as they progressed to their first-ever ACL Elite final. They will face Al-Ahli on May 4, 2025, in what promises to be an exhilarating showdown for the title. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await the clash, hoping to see their team lift the coveted trophy.
As for Al-Nassr, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly emotional after the match, was seen with tears in his eyes, reflecting the disappointment of falling short in a tournament that holds significant importance. The team will need to regroup and reflect on their journey as they aim to bounce back for future challenges.
In summary, Kawasaki Frontale's remarkable achievement in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final marks a significant milestone for the club and its fans. With their eyes set on the final, the team is poised to make a lasting impact on Asian football.
