- Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Al-Nassr FC, were knocked out of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League after a 3-2 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale
- The hosts did everything they could to stage a comeback, but the visitors remained determined and held on to secure the win
- The Portuguese international will once again finish the season without a trophy since joining the club in January 2023
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, was eliminated from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League on Wednesday night after a 3-2 defeat to Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in the semi-final stage of the tournament.
Ronaldo shows his frustration against Al Ain.
Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
The J1 League leaders took an early lead in less than 10 minutes of the game when Tatsuya Ito scored an amazing volley to silence the hosts in front of their passionate fans.
Al-Nassr responded with an equaliser in the 30th minute through Senegal international Sadio Mane, who finished off a well-crafted pass from teammate Nawaf Boushal.
Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance to put his team ahead before halftime, but his header hit the crossbar.
Kawasaki Frontale took advantage of the missed opportunity and scored their second goal just before the halftime whistle.
Things worsened for Al-Nassr in the second half when Akihiro Ienaga scored in the 76th minute after a well-timed assist from his teammate Erison.
Although Al-Nassr managed to pull one back before the final whistle, the match ended 3-2 in favour of Kawasaki Frontale.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction after the game
The 40-year-old will once again go trophyless with the club, having joined them in January 2023.
The former Real Madrid star looked dejected after the game and was seen speaking to himself on the pitch following the final whistle.
After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo took to his X account to express his thoughts on the defeat.
He said that sometimes the dream has to wait and added that he was proud of the team and everything they gave on the pitch.
He also thanked the fans for believing in the team and standing by them, stating that their support means the world.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored for Al-Nassr this season?
According to Transfermarkt, the former Juventus star has featured in 27 Saudi Pro League matches, scoring 23 goals and providing three assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo is challenged by Kota Takai during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi-Final between Al Nassr and Kawasaki Frontale at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh. Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo leaves a big tip after a top-notch hotel service
TUKO.co.ke had earlier reported an incident where Ronaldo left a jaw-dropping tip for hotel staff during one of his vacations.
The former Manchester United star had taken a holiday with his family following Portugal’s exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner showed his appreciation by leaving a generous €20,000 (approximately KSh 2.9 million) tip for the hotel staff who had looked after him and his family during their stay.
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