Kawasaki Frontale made history on Wednesday by defeating Saudi Arabia\u2019s Al Nassr 3-2 in a thrilling AFC Champions League Elite semifinal clash in Jeddah. The Japanese club secured their first-ever ticket to the tournament\u2019s final, silencing a star-studded Al Nassr side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kawasaki struck early with Tatsuya Ito\u2019s 10th-minute volley, but Sadio Mane equalized for Al Nassr with a deflected shot. Yuto Ozeki restored the visitors\u2019 lead before halftime, while Akihiro Ienaga sealed the win with a tap-in late in the second half. Ayman Yahya\u2019s 87th-minute strike proved too little for Al Nassr, whose veteran striker Ronaldo hit the crossbar and saw a stoppage-time free kick saved.
Kawasaki will face Al Ahli in Saturday\u2019s final, marking a milestone for Asian football as both clubs seek their inaugural continental title. The result also raises questions about Al Nassr\u2019s domestic campaign, where they trail Saudi Pro League leaders Al Ittihad by eight points.
