Ronaldo’s wait continues as Al Nassr lose AFC final

Cristiano Ronaldo endured another painful setback as Al Nassr FC suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday.

The loss extended Ronaldo’s wait for a major trophy since joining the Saudi club in 2023 on a lucrative deal. Despite dominating much of the second half, Al Nassr failed to break down a disciplined Gamba Osaka side in front of nearly 26,000 fans at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh.

Al Nassr entered the final as favourites to become the first Saudi Arabian club to win the AFC Champions League Two, Asia’s second-tier continental competition comparable to Europe’s UEFA Europa League.

However, it was Gamba Osaka who produced the decisive moment in the 29th minute. Forward Deniz Hummet collected a through ball from Issam Jebali before firing home from the edge of the box against the run of play.

“We had prepared well, but they were very fast and surprised us,” said Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus after the match.

“For the first 30 minutes we were not at our best, but after that we dominated. They only had one opportunity and they scored from it,” he added.

The defeat came just days after another frustrating result for Ronaldo and his side in the Saudi Pro League title race. Earlier in the week, Al Nassr were denied victory against Al Hilal SFC following a bizarre stoppage-time own goal by goalkeeper Bento in a 1-1 draw.

A win in that match would have brought Ronaldo closer to his first Saudi domestic league title.

“The dream is close,” Ronaldo wrote on X after the draw against Al Hilal. “Heads up, we have one more step to take.”

Despite the continental disappointment, Al Nassr remain in contention for the Saudi Pro League title. They sit two points ahead of Al Hilal with one match remaining and can secure the championship with a victory over Damac FC on Thursday.

Al Hilal will face Al Fayha FC in their final league fixture on the same day.

“We didn’t get what we wanted here, but there is one more final for us,” Jorge Jesus said. “We have five days to recover and prepare. There is no time for grieving.”

SH