Per the report, Cristiano Ronaldo’s search for a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia continued after Al Nassr were beaten 1-0 by Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final of the AFC Champions League Two in Riyadh.
The report says Osaka scored with its only shot on target, Deniz Hümmet converting in the 29th minute. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood. Hümmet said he was happy to score and help the team, added that he was proud of his teammates and noted he was nervous watching in the second half; he went off injured at halftime, the report says.
Al Nassr dominated possession and produced numerous shots but failed to find an equalizer, per the report. Ronaldo nearly drew the hosts level just before halftime when his close-range header from a João Félix cross sailed wide. Félix came even closer late, striking the post with a low shot from outside the area with about 13 minutes remaining, the report says.
Osaka defended in numbers and with discipline, making it difficult for Al Nassr’s star-studded attack to create clear chances, the report adds. The defeat in Riyadh extended Ronaldo’s run without a major trophy since his December 2022 move to the Saudi club: he has now lost four finals with Al Nassr, and his only final success since joining came in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, described in the report as an unofficial competition.
The loss followed another setback for Al Nassr earlier in the week when the club was seconds from clinching the Saudi Pro League title before conceding in stoppage time, leaving the championship to be decided on the final matchday. Despite the double disappointments, Al Nassr still can secure the Saudi Pro League: the report says the club leads Al Hilal by two points heading into the final game against Damac on Thursday. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
