Despite a stunning goal from Sadio Mané, Al-Nassr was knocked out of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night after a 3-2 semifinal loss to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. The defeat ends the Saudi club’s continental ambitions for the season.
Touted as one of the favorites to lift the title, Al-Nassr fell short of expectations, succumbing to a well-organized and determined Kawasaki side. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were unable to rise to the occasion in a high-stakes clash.
Trailing 2-1 at halftime despite a beautiful strike from Sadio Mané, Al-Nassr conceded a third goal early in the second half. Akihiro Ienaga capped off a brilliant team move to extend Kawasaki’s lead to 3-1. A late goal from Ayman Yahya gave the Saudi side hope, but it wasn’t enough. Final score: 3-2.
With the loss, Al-Nassr bows out of the AFC Champions League—another bitter blow for Cristiano Ronaldo, who faces yet another setback in his quest for silverware in Asia. The Portuguese star and his team will now turn their focus to winning the domestic league in an attempt to salvage their season.