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Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a first major trophy with Al-Nasr continues after a 1-0 home defeat by Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.
Playing in front of 26,000 fans at their King Saud University Stadium, Saudi side Al-Nasr were favorites to win Asian football’s second-tier club competition – Europe’s equivalent of the Europa League.
But Deniz Humet scored for the visitors in the 30th minute of Saturday’s game in Riyadh, scoring from Issam Jebali’s through ball.
Gamba Osaka then went on to become the first Japanese club to win the competition in the second half, preventing Al-Nasr from becoming the first Saudi winners.
Ronaldo’s latest setback came four days after goalkeeper Bento’s last-gasp own goal left the Portugal forward waiting for his first major silverware since joining Al-Nasr in January 2023.
That allowed Saudi Pro League title rivals Al-Hilal to claim a 1-1 draw and stay within two points of leaders Al-Nasr with a game to play.
However, Ronaldo’s side will be crowned Saudi champions for the 11th time – and first since 2019 – if they can win away to Damak on Thursday.
Al-Hilal, 21-time champions, will play their final game at Al-Fayha at the same time on Thursday.
“We didn’t get what we wanted here but we have one more final, the Saudi Pro League title, which is very important for us,” Al-Nasr coach Jorge Jesus said.
“We have five days to recover and prepare and no time to mourn. We have to go again.”
