Frontale Stun Ronaldo’s Al Nassr To Book Champions League Final Spot

April 30, (THEWILL) – Kawasaki Frontale produced a stunning performance to overcome Al Nassr 3-2 in the Asian Champions League semi-final in Jeddah. The Japanese club took an early lead through Tatsuya Ito’s superb volley before Sadio Mane equalised with a deflected effort. Yuto Ozeki restored Frontale’s advantage before half-time after goalkeeper Bento could only parry Ito’s initial attempt.

Akihiro Ienaga extended the lead to 3-1 with 14 minutes remaining, volleying home from Erison’s cross after the Brazilian forward had manoeuvred past Aymeric Laporte. Al Nassr mounted a late comeback with Ayman Yahya scoring in injury time, but Cristiano Ronaldo was denied twice by Louis Yamaguchi in the closing moments before missing a final opportunity when through on goal.

The victory propels Kawasaki Frontale into their first-ever Champions League final, becoming only the fifth Japanese club to reach this stage of the continent’s premier competition. They will face Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, also based in Jeddah, in Saturday’s final. The Japanese side progressed with just one foreign player in their starting lineup, contrasting sharply with Al Nassr’s seven.

Ronaldo, who has won the UEFA Champions League five times during his illustrious career, remains without a major trophy since joining the Saudi club two and a half years ago. The Portuguese captain had several opportunities throughout the match, including a first-half header that struck the woodwork and multiple chances in the dying moments that were either saved by Yamaguchi or missed entirely.

Al Nassr manager Stefano Pioli made tactical adjustments during the match, introducing both Laporte and Chelsea acquisition Angelo at half-time after his team struggled defensively in the opening period. However, these changes proved insufficient to prevent Frontale from claiming a famous victory against their heavily favoured opponents.