Another Trophy Slips Away from Ronaldo with Al Nassr's Dramatic Exit
Cristiano Ronaldo’s search for glory in Saudi Arabia just hit another roadblock. On April 30, 2025, his team, Al Nassr, crashed out of the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals, losing 2-3 at home to Japan’s lightning-quick Kawasaki Frontale. It was one of those nights where no matter how hard Ronaldo pushed, things just kept slipping away.
The energy was electric at King Saud University Stadium, but it fizzled out almost as soon as it started. Just ten minutes in, Tatsuya Ito silenced the home crowd with a rocket volley, giving Kawasaki an early lead. Al Nassr, needing a spark, found it in Sadio Mané, who knifed through the defense to equalize with a brilliant solo run in the 28th minute. Hopes lifted, even Ronaldo flashed his trademark intensity, but cracks started to show.
Before halftime, a careless passing error at the back left Al Nassr scrambling. Kawasaki’s Yuto Ozeki swooped in, pounced on the blunder, and tucked away a cool finish. You could feel nerves creeping in. Ronaldo kept fighting, harrying defenders, and even clattered the post with a fierce shot after the break, but it wasn’t enough to swing the momentum.
Counterattacks and Costly Mistakes: Defining the Night
Kawasaki didn’t just sit back after the break—they always looked one pass away from causing trouble. In the 76th minute, with Al Nassr chasing the match, Akihiro Ienaga broke free on a rapid counterattack, slotting home what felt like the sucker punch. The Saudi crowd groaned. The scoreboard was ruthless: 1-3, and time was running out.
Al Nassr managed a late surge. In the 87th minute, Ayman Yahya snatched one back, bringing life to the game and hope to the stands. There was a flurry of chances in the dying moments, with Ronaldo darting between defenders, but Kawasaki’s defense held strong. The final whistle brought an air of disbelief—and disappointment—to the home fans. The dream of continental success, at least this season, died right then and there.
Since Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia in December 2022, the expectation has been clear—deliver trophies. But so far, that finishing touch has eluded him and his teammates. Despite some vintage displays and relentless work rate, he remains empty-handed on the biggest Asian stage so far.
While Kawasaki books their final showdown with Al Ahli, Al Nassr now has to regroup. Their focus shifts to the Saudi Pro League, where the pressure is just as fierce. The team trails league leaders Al Ittihad, and fans are demanding results. For Ronaldo, the challenge is plain: rebound, refocus, and get that elusive silverware to quiet doubters and fulfill the promise of his high-profile move.
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