Portuguese still has a chance to end the season with silverware as Al-Nassr gun for the Saudi Pro League title
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to wait for a first official trophy in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr after his side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday.
Playing in Riyadh, Al-Nassr controlled much of the contest but failed to convert their dominance into goals as Osaka capitalised on their single effort on target to secure the trophy.
Osaka scored just before the half-hour mark when Deniz Hummet turned inside the area and fired a low effort into the bottom corner. The goal was reviewed for a possible offside but after a lengthy VAR check the goal was allowed to stand.
“I am happy to score and help the team and to do my best for this club,” Hummet said. “I was nervous watching in the second half but the most important thing is that we won and I am proud of my teammates. Now it is time to celebrate and enjoy.”
The defeat is yet another setback to Ronaldo’s spell in Saudi Arabia. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, the Portuguese forward has now ended up on the losing side in four finals. He has never won a recognised trophy at the club, the only one he has won being the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, unrecognised by Fifa.
The result caps a difficult week for the Riyadh club. Only days earlier, Al-Nassr looked set to secure the Saudi Pro League title before conceding late, leaving the championship in the balance heading into the final round.
Ronaldo still has a chance to end the season with silverware. Al-Nassr hold a two-point advantage over Al-Hilal ahead of the final matchweek where they against Damac on Thursday. A win would guarantee the title, while draw would be enough if Al-Hilal do not win their game against Al-Fayha by up to a three-goal difference.
