Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr were eliminated from the AFC Champions League as they went down 3-2 against Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-finals.
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Ronaldo's search for a trophy in Saudi continuesAl-Nassr eliminated from ACLKawasaki Frontale beat Saudi giants 3-2Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Kawasaki took the lead within 10 minutes from kick-off as Tatsuya Ito broke the deadlock with a marvellous volley. Marcinho made a brilliant move from the left flank as he dribbled past his marker with some silky touches and entered the box before floating a cross. Mohamed Simakan intercepted the ball, but it went straight towards Ito, who scored with a first-time shot from the edge of the area.
The Saudi giants, however, recovered quickly from the early setback as Sadio Mane netted the equaliser from Nawaf Boushal's pass just before the half-hour mark. Ronaldo could have put his team in front in the 33rd minute, but his mistimed header from close range came off the crossbar.
A few minutes before the half-time whistle, the Japanese club restored their lead through Yuto Ozeki's strike. Ito once again played a crucial part in the build-up to the goal as he initially made a solo run, going past two Al-Nassr players before taking a shot which was blocked by Bento, but Ozeki scored from the rebound.
Kawasaki should have sealed the fate of the game early in the second half when Yuki Yamamoto set up Erison with a square pass in front of goal, but credit to Bento for changing the direction of the pass at the last moment with a desperate save.
The visitors made a couple of changes after the break, which eventually proved to be a tactical masterclass as second-half substitute Akihiro Ienaga scored the winning goal in the 76th minute from Erison's assist.
Ayman Yahya pulled one back towards the end of the match for the hosts but it turned out to be yet another frustrating night for Ronaldo, who is yet to win a major title for Al-Nassr since joining them in January 2023.
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Former Hamburger SV centre-forward Tatsuya Ito was definitely the star of the night for the Japanese club as he contributed with an assist and a world-class opener to seal his team's AFC Champions League final slot.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
It was a night to forget for Portugal legend Ronaldo as he faced yet another disappointment in an Al-Nassr shirt. The 40-year-old had a disastrous outing as he missed three goalscoring opportunities towards the end of the match, including two free-kicks. He also saw a first-half attempt come off the post. The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star is now all set to experience yet another trophyless season in Saudi Arabia.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT COMES NEXT?
Stefano Pioli's side will be next seen in action in the Saudi Pro League as they host league leaders Al-Ittihad on May 7. Kawasaki will face Al-Ahli in Saturday's Champions League final.
