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Cristiano Ronaldo endured another disappointment this week as Al Nassr lost 1‑0 to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday.
The defeat extended Ronaldo’s quest for his first major trophy since signing a lucrative contract with Al Nassr in 2023, as the Japanese side withstood a second‑half onslaught from the Saudi club.
With 26,000 spectators at King Saud University Stadium, Al Nassr were the clear favourites to become the first Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League Two trophy, the Asian equivalent of the Europa League.
Gamba Osaka, however, scored the only goal early in the match; forward Deniz Hummet capitalised on a through ball from Issam Jebali and finished from the edge of the penalty area after 29 minutes.
“We had prepared well but they were very fast and they surprised us,” said Al Nassr’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
“For the first 30 minutes, we were not at our best but after that, we dominated. They only had one opportunity and they scored from it.”
Earlier that week, Ronaldo’s hopes of a first Saudi Pro League title were delayed when Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento inadvertently scored an injury‑time own goal, allowing second‑placed Al Hilal to secure a 1‑1 draw.
A win would have earned Ronaldo his first Saudi domestic title, but the team suffered further disappointment in Riyadh four days later.
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