Cristiano Ronaldo's Wait For The Trophy To Continue After Being Knocked Out Of The Asian Elite Champions League

JAKARTA - The wait for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the main trophy in Saudi Arabia will continue because Al Nassr lost 2-3 to the Frontale Region in the semifinals of the Asian Elite Champions League (AFC Champions League Elite) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Ronaldo, 40, who joined the Riyadh club in December 2022, had a chance but failed to score.

Kawasaki will face another Saudi Arabian team, Al Expert, in the final on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with both teams eyeing the first continental title.

"We've made a lot of mistakes and this makes us lose the game. It's always very difficult to lose in the semifinals."

"Our opponent surprised us, they played at a very high level and the problem was that we were not disciplined. We made a lot of mistakes and didn't play at full capacity," said Al Nassr coach Stefano Pioli.

Kawasaki took the lead after 10 minutes thanks to a spectacular volley from Tatsuya Ito, who later admitted to being fascinated by the faces of the opposing players.

"Al Nassr has Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and many other big names. In that game, at some point, we had a hard time playing against them."

"They attacked well, but I am happy to be on the pitch with them tonight."

"There are several big names playing here. Before we entered the field, they were already beside me. It felt like they were playing video games," said Ito.

Just before the 30th minute, Liverpool's former star, Sadio Mane, scored for Al Nassr so that the position drew 1-1.

Soon after that, Ronaldo's header hit the post, but Kawasaki, who scored the next goal, returned to his lead three minutes before the break through Yuto Ozeki.

Al Nassr continued to attack, but was further behind after 76 minutes when Akihiro Ienaga scored from close range.

Ayman Yahya scored for Al Nassr with three minutes remaining. Even though Ronaldo and Jhon Duran - who were recruited for more than 100 million US dollars from Premier League club Aston Villa in January 2025 - almost scored, the Riyadh club couldn't equalize.

"I understand criticism of tactics and at a level like this we know our opponent's style, but we are not good at implementing the tactics and styles we practice."

"We played the same style, we weren't different from the previous game. We didn't do anything different. This is the reality."

"It's difficult for everyone, for the team, for the players, for Al Nassr coaches and supporters," said Pioli.

The finalists twice Al Expert reached the final by defeating fellow Saudi Arabia's Pro-League team, Al Hilal, 3-1 on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.