Ronaldo title wait continues after AFC Champions League Two final defeat

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait longer for his first major trophy with Al-Nassr after the Saudi side suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday.

Played in front of more than 26,000 fans at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Al-Nassr entered the final as favourites to lift Asia’s second-tier continental competition, the equivalent of Europe’s Europa League.

Gamba Osaka stun favourites in Riyadh

However, it was Gamba Osaka who struck the decisive blow in the 30th minute. Forward Deniz Hummet latched onto a through ball from Issam Jebali before calmly finishing past Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento.

Despite dominating possession and pushing for an equaliser after the break, Al-Nassr failed to break down the disciplined Japanese side, who held on to become the first club from Japan to win the competition.

Ronaldo’s wait for silverware continues

The defeat adds to a frustrating week for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Just days earlier, a dramatic late own goal from Bento denied them victory in a crucial Saudi Pro League clash, allowing rivals Al-Hilal to remain within two points at the top of the table.

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, is still searching for his first major honour in Saudi Arabia despite impressive individual numbers since arriving from Manchester United.

Focus shifts to Saudi Pro League title race

Al-Nassr still control their league destiny, though. Victory against Damac FC on Thursday would secure the club’s first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 and the 11th league crown in their history.

Speaking after the defeat, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus insisted the focus must quickly shift to the 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. We have five days to recover and prepare and there is no time for grieving.”