RIYAD.- Cristiano Ronaldo suffered new disappointment on Saturday for the second time in a week, after his Saudi club, Al Nassrfell 1-0 at home against Osaka Prawn in the final of the Asian Champions League 2.
Ronaldo’s wait for the first title since his arrival in Saudi football in 2023 was prolonged after the victory of the Japanese team, which resisted the offensive dominance of the home team during the second half.
Before 26,000 fans in the King Saud University StadiumAl Nassr started as favorites to win the second category continental tournament, equivalent to the Europa League of the UEFA.
However, Gamba Osaka struck first and scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute, when Deniz Hummet took advantage of a deep pass from Issam Jebali and defined from the edge of the area.
“We had prepared well, but they were very fast and surprised us,” declared the Portuguese coach of Al Nassr. Jorge Jesus.
“During the first 30 minutes we were not at our best level, but then we dominated the game. They only had one chance and they took advantage of it to score.”
At the beginning of the week, the Portuguese striker had already seen another title challenge in the Saudi league frustrated, when an own goal in added time by the goalkeeper Bento deprived Al Nassr of a key victory against Al Hilal.
A victory would have secured the first Saudi national title for the Portuguese, who then suffered more agony in Riyadh.
New opportunity
“The dream is near,” the 41-year-old striker wrote on X to his 107.5 million followers on Wednesday, after his team came within seconds of league title glory.
Al Nassr are two points ahead of Al Hilal with a game remaining and can seal the title at home against Damac on Thursday.
“We haven’t achieved what we wanted here (in Riyadh), but we have one more final left, the title of the Saudi Arabia Professional Leaguewhich is very important for us,” said Jesús.
Al Hilal plays its last game as a visitor against Al Fayha that same night.
