Cristiano Ronaldo was playing for another trophy as Al Nassr faced Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, a match that could have delivered his first title with the club. However, it was not what he expected as his team lost 1-0.
While much of the focus was on the Saudi Pro League, with several rotations along the way, Al Nassr had the opportunity to celebrate a title with their fans after a record showing total dominance, winning all 10 matches they played in the competition. Their performances in previous rounds were not repeated in the final.
Gamba Osaka showed strong character, backed by a secure display from goalkeeper Araki. They took the lead early in the second half through Hummet in the 30th minute, when there was still a long way to go. That advantage proved decisive, even with attempts from Joao Felix, which were kept out to preserve the lead and secure the trophy.
Full time: GAMBA OSAKA ARE CHAMPIONS
90+6' - The match ends with Gamba Osaka holding on to a 1-0 win, sealing the title.
Six minutes added
90' - The referee signals six minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Ronaldo shot deflected over
86' - Ronaldo picks up possession up front and strikes towards goal, but the effort is deflected and goes over the crossbar.
Simakan header saved
80' - Simakan meets the ball with a low header, but Araki reacts well to keep it out.
Al-Nassr and Gamba Osaka make late changes
79' - Al-Hamdan replaces Alhassan for Al-Nassr, while Usami comes on for Jebali for Gamba Osaka.
Felix near the goal
75' - Joao Felix takes a shot and Araki dives to his right, with the effort coming back off the post before the chance goes away.
Gamba Osaka substitution
69' - Felipe comes on for Meshino for Gamba Osaka.
Al-Nassr double substitution
65' - Al-Najdi comes on for Yahya and Coman replaces Ghareeb for Al-Nassr.
Ghareeb yellow card
63' - Ghareeb receives a yellow card for Al-Nassr.
Gamba Osaka make double substitution
59' - Abe replaces Suzuki and Okunuki comes on for Yamashita for Gamba Osaka.
Al-Nassr substitution
55' - Angelo comes on for Al-Nassr, replacing Al Nasser.
Al Aqidi booked on the bench
51' - Al-Nassr backup goalkeeper Al Aqidi receives a yellow card after protesting against the referee’s decision.
Second half underway
The match resumes with Ronaldo’s team looking for a response after going into halftime 1-0 down against Gamba Osaka.
Halftime substitutions for both teams
Al-Nassr bring on Al-Ghanam for Boushal at the break, while Gamba Osaka replace Deniz Hummet with Minamino for the second half.
Halftime: Gamba Osaka lead 1-0
45+3' - The first half comes to an end with Gamba Osaka holding a 1-0 advantage over Ronaldo’s team thanks to Deniz Hummet’s goal.
Ronaldo header goes wide
45' - Felix delivers the free-kick into the box and Ronaldo gets on the end of it, but his header drifts just wide.
Felix shows flashes for Al-Nassr
38' - Joao Felix continues to look like Al-Nassr’s most dangerous player, but he has not been able to create many clear chances.
GAMBA OSAKA GOAL: Deniz Hummet scores first
30' - Gamba Osaka take the lead through Deniz Hummet, who finishes the attack to put the Japanese side in front.
Araki stops Ronaldo chance
28' - Al-Nassr build a move down the left as Ronaldo combines with Felix before Yahya joins the attack and returns the ball to the Portuguese forward, whose shot is saved by Araki.
Mane fires into the side-netting
24' - Ronaldo cannot connect properly with his effort inside the box and the loose ball falls to Sadio Mane, whose shot only finds the side-netting.
Ronaldo free-kick blocked
23' - Felix wins another foul after driving forward with the ball, giving Al-Nassr a dangerous free-kick near the area, but Ronaldo’s attempt crashes into the wall.
Araki keeps out Al-Nassr chance
19' - Al-Nassr threaten again after Yahya creates space on the left and sends the ball into the area, where Inigo Martinez meets it with a header that is stopped by Araki.
Joao Felix stopped by goalkeeper
11' - Mane finds Ghareeb in the box and he sets up Joao Felix, but the Portuguese forward shoots straight at the goalkeeper.
Ghareeb leads Al-Nassr counterattack
7' - Al-Nassr launch a quick counterattack and Ghareeb gets a shot away, but goalkeeper Araki makes the save.
Kickoff
The match between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka begins.
Confirmed lineup for Gamba Osaka
Araki; Miura, Kishimoto, Nakatani, Hatsuse; Suzuki, Mito; Meshino, Jebali, Yamashita; Hümmet.
Confirmed lineup for Al Nassr
Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Iñigo, Ayman; Alhassan, Saad; Ghareeb, Mané, João Félix; Ronaldo.
Their paths
Al Nassr reached the final after 10 victories. Gamba Osaka made it with 9 victories, 2 draws and 1 loss
The stadium
The match venue is Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It has a capacity of 26,000.
Their league positions
Al Nassr are first in the Saudi Pro League, while Gamba Osaka are third in the J1 League.
Live coverage begins
Welcome to live coverage of the AFC Champions League Two final: Al Nassr vs. Gamba Osaka.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season