Kawasaki Frontale Defeats Al Nassr 3-2 in AFC Champions League Semi-final

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr were eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite after a dramatic 3-2 semi-final loss to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, who reached their first continental final. Despite goals from Sadio Mane and Aiman Yahya, Al-Nassr could not overcome Kawasaki's strikes by Tatsuya Ito, Yuto Ozeki, and Akihiro Ienaga. Ronaldo had multiple chances to equalize in stoppage time but failed to convert, ending his campaign with a record eight goals for Al-Nassr in a single edition. Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli acknowledged his team's error-strewn performance and faced intense criticism in the aftermath, as expectations for continental success went unfulfilled. Kawasaki Frontale will now face Al-Ahli in the final, with both clubs seeking their maiden title. The loss marks a bitter end for Ronaldo and heightened scrutiny for Pioli's future at Al-Nassr.