Saudi side Al-Nassr, led by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, lost the AFC Champions League 2 title after a 1–0 defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

The Japanese club secured the trophy thanks to a single goal from Turkish striker Deniz Ümit in the 30th minute, leaving Al-Nassr and Ronaldo with one final chance to salvage their season by winning the Saudi Pro League—provided they defeat Damac in the final round, regardless of Al-Hilal’s result.

Al-Nassr entered the match still reeling from their failure to secure the league title days earlier, after conceding a dramatic late equalizer against Al-Hilal due to a costly error by goalkeeper Bento.

Gamba Osaka became only the third club in history to win both of Asia’s top club competitions, joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad and Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. The Japanese side had previously won the AFC Champions League in 2008.

In front of around 25,000 fans, Ronaldo had an early chance from a free kick that went just wide (23), before setting up Sadio Mané, whose effort hit the side netting (24). However, Gamba capitalized on a defensive gap when Issam Jebali set up Ümit, who calmly finished past Bento (30).

Al-Nassr pushed hard for an equalizer. João Félix delivered a cross to Ronaldo, whose header narrowly missed (45+1). Despite dominating the second half, the Saudi side lacked a clinical finish.

Coach Jorge Jesus made several substitutions, introducing Angelo, Salem Al-Najdi, Kingsley Coman, and later Abdullah Al-Hamdan to boost the attack. The changes increased pressure, but Gamba’s defense held firm.

Al-Nassr came close on multiple occasions—Mané tested goalkeeper Rui Araki (72), Félix struck the post (77), and Al-Hamdan set up another clear chance for Félix that was brilliantly saved (83). Ronaldo also had a late effort blocked (86), while Al-Hamdan fired just over in stoppage time (90+1).

In the closing moments, Gamba nearly doubled their lead on a counterattack, as Al-Nassr players showed visible frustration with the title slipping away (90+3).