In a stunning turn of events at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Kawasaki Frontale triumphed over Al Nassr 3-2 in the Asian Champions League semifinals on April 30, 2025. The match, filled with thrilling moments and emotional highs and lows, has left Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates reeling as they continue to chase their first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
The game kicked off with Kawasaki's Tatsuya Ito making headlines early on, scoring a spectacular volley just ten minutes into the match. Ito's goal set the tone for the evening, as he described the experience of playing alongside superstars like Ronaldo and Sadio Mane as feeling like "a video game." Despite being under pressure, Ito expressed his excitement about competing against such renowned players.
"Al Nassr have Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and such big names, and in that game, there were moments where it was difficult for us to play against them," Ito said. "But I was happy to be on the pitch with them tonight. It felt like it was a video game."
Al Nassr quickly responded, with former Liverpool star Sadio Mane equalizing before the half-hour mark. However, the joy was short-lived as Kawasaki regained the lead just before halftime through Yuto Ozeki, who capitalized on a defensive lapse. The first half ended with Kawasaki leading 2-1, leaving Al Nassr with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Despite the setback, Al Nassr came out strong after the break, pushing for an equalizer. Ronaldo, who had several chances throughout the match, notably headed the ball against the woodwork and missed two free-kicks in the dying moments. His frustration was palpable, especially after a golden opportunity to send the game into extra time slipped through his fingers when he rounded the goalkeeper but failed to convert.
The match saw a dramatic twist when Akihiro Ienaga scored Kawasaki's third goal in the 76th minute, extending their lead to 3-1. Al Nassr fought back valiantly, with Ayman Yahya scoring a late goal in the 87th minute to bring the score to 3-2, but it was not enough to secure a comeback.
As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo was visibly upset, muttering and gesturing to himself in frustration. Fans began to speculate about his future, questioning whether the legendary forward, now 40, might be nearing the end of his remarkable career. The weight of expectation on Ronaldo has been immense since his move to Al Nassr in December 2022, and yet, he has yet to secure a trophy with the club.
After the match, Ronaldo took to social media to express his gratitude towards the fans and reflect on the journey. "Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch. Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world," he wrote.
Kawasaki Frontale's victory not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also sets up a historic AFC Champions League final against Al-Ahli, another Saudi side. This will be Kawasaki's first appearance in the final, while Al-Ahli will be making their third attempt at securing the title.
Ronaldo's continued search for silverware in Saudi Arabia has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Despite the star-studded lineup of Al Nassr, including the likes of Jhon Duran, who joined for over $100 million from Aston Villa, the team has struggled to convert their talent into tangible success.
As Al Nassr reflects on their semifinal exit, questions loom over the future of Ronaldo and the team's direction. The Portuguese superstar's frustration was evident during the match, and many are left wondering if this defeat will mark a turning point in his illustrious career.
In conclusion, Kawasaki Frontale's stunning 3-2 victory over Al Nassr not only secures their place in the final but also leaves Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates with more questions than answers as they continue their quest for glory in the AFC Champions League.
