Cristiano Ronaldo endured another painful setback on Saturday after Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.
The loss marked Ronaldo’s second major disappointment in less than a week, as his quest for a first major trophy since joining Al Nassr in 2023 remains unresolved.
Playing before more than 26,000 fans at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Al Nassr entered the final as overwhelming favourites to become the first Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League Two title — Asia’s equivalent of Europe’s UEFA Europa League.
However, it was Gamba Osaka who stunned the home crowd with the decisive goal in the 29th minute. Forward Deniz Hummet capitalised on a through ball from Issam Jebali before firing past the Al Nassr goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
Despite dominating large stretches of the contest, Al Nassr failed to find an equaliser as the Japanese side defended resolutely throughout the second half.
“We had prepared well but they were very fast and they surprised us,” Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said 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 comes just days after Ronaldo and Al Nassr missed the chance to clinch the Saudi Pro League title following a dramatic 1-1 draw against rivals Al Hilal. Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento inadvertently scored an injury-time own goal to deny the club victory.
Following that result, Ronaldo had posted a message of encouragement to supporters on X, insisting the dream was still alive.
“The dream is close,” the Portuguese superstar wrote to his millions of followers.
“Heads up, we have one more step to take! Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!”
Al Nassr remain two points ahead of Al Hilal with one match remaining in the Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo’s side will host Damac in a title-deciding clash on Thursday, while Al Hilal travel to face Al Fayha on the same evening.
Despite the disappointment of losing the continental final, Jorge Jesus insisted his players must quickly shift focus to the league title race.
“We didn’t get what we wanted here but there is one more final for us, the Saudi Pro League title, which is very important to us,” he said.
“We have five days to recover and prepare and there is no time for grieving. We have to get going again.”
