A Day Of Huge Expectations Gone Sour
It was a day of huge expectations for the big-spending Al-Nassr, the Riyadh-based iconic Football Club, led by the mercurial legend Cristiano Ronaldo. It was the semi-final of the AFC Champions League between the home team Al-Nassr and the Japanese Club, Kawasaki. Al-Nassr were favourites to win not only the semi-finals, but the finals and take home a major trophy under the captaincy of Ronaldo, the first in two and a half years of the Portuguese’s stay at the club. However, fate had a different take.
Cristiano Ronaldo Bares His Heart
A post on Instagram by Ronaldo after the match ended said it all. ” Sometimes the dream has to wait. I’m proud of this team and everything we gave on the pitch “. He further added ” Thank you to all the fans who believed in us and stood by us every step of the way. Your support means the world “. Al-Nassr had lost the match and were eliminated from the competition. Hopes shattered.
Kawasaki Keep Dominant Al Nassr At Bay
Kawasaki played brilliantly and though they were completely out possessed by Al Nassr, their organised defence and razor sharp strikes were too much for Al Nassr to handle. The Japanese Club took their chances and made the most of them. The stats were totally skewed in favour of Al Nassr, but they still lost, missing sitters and hitting the woodwork. Unfortunately, it was not their day.
Lenaga Strike Puts Game Beyond Al Nassr
Tatsuya Ito, against the run of play, drew first blood as Kawasaki took the lead after just 10 minutes into the game. Sadio Mane equalised in the 24th, but deadly strikes by 20-year-old Yuto Ozeki in the 41st minute and by 38-year-old Akihiro Lenaga in the 76th minute put the game beyond Al Nassr.
Ayman Yahya Scores, But Its Too Late
The home team tried hard and reduced the deficit in the 87th minute through sub Ayman Yahya, but it was just too late. Al Nassr kept up the pressure but could not equalise, with Ronaldo missing a great chance in the dying minutes of the game. The match ended in a 3-2 victory for Kawasaki Frontale, a great achievement for the Japanese Club who made their maiden final and will be playing Al Ahli Saudi for the coveted trophy, tomorrow night.
Dreams Shattered, Ronaldo Walks Away In Dismay
As the whistle blew, hopes were shattered as Ronaldo shook his head in dismay. The home team had played well but the Japs were better. Jhon Duran, in particular, could have done much more and was a bit off colour. The defence too was found wanting at times, while Kawasaki defended out of their skins to hold on to their lead and win.
All Eyes Are On The Saudi Pro League Now
The Al Alami would be focusing on the Saudi Pro League now, and though they are still 8 points adrift of the leaders Al Ittihad, they are still in with a chance to pull off a late siege. Their match against Al Ittihad on the 7th will be a crucial fixture.
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