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Kawasaki Frontale Stuns Al-Nassr in AFC Champions League Classic

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— 2 min read

In a story fit for the silver screen, Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale delivered a jaw-dropping upset that has sent shockwaves across Asian football. On April 30, 2025, they defeated powerhouse Al-Nassr 3-2 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, a match that was nothing short of legendary.

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A Clash of Titans and Underdogs

For months, Al-Nassr FC had been the favorites to win the AFC Champions League Elite. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and other international stars under its banner, the Saudi club carried the hopes of a nation riding on the wave of football investment. In contrast, Kawasaki Frontale quietly advanced through the tournament with grit and discipline, culminating in a semi-final showdown that will be remembered for years.

This match wasn’t just a game — it was a battle between mega-money talent and team-first football philosophy. And in the end, it was Kawasaki that stood tall, reaching the continental final for the first time in club history.

From Whistle to Glory: A Thrilling Timeline

The semi-final in Riyadh opened with an electric pace:

  • 10th minute: Tatsuya Ito volleyed the ball past the keeper, stunning the home crowd with a 1-0 lead.
  • 28th minute: Sadio Mané responded for Al-Nassr with a deflected goal, tying it up.
  • 41st minute: Yuto Ozeki reclaimed the lead with a composed finish just before halftime.
  • 76th minute: Veteran Akihiro Ienaga made it 3-1 for Kawasaki with a clinical strike.
  • 87th minute: Aiman Yahya gave Al-Nassr hope late on, but the equalizer never came.

Ripping Up the Script: What the World is Saying

"Kawasaki Frontale spectacularly ripped up the script with a 3-2 semi-final victory to reach the continental final for the first time." — Reuters

"Our players showed the heart of samurai warriors against world-class opponents." — Coach Shigetoshi Hasebe

Emotion Beyond the Scoreboard

The win meant more than a trip to the final. For Cristiano Ronaldo, it might have been his last shot at winning Asia’s top club prize at age 40. His visible frustration, bent torso and clenched fists, said it all.

Meanwhile, Japanese fans erupted with pride as their team of unsung heroes bowed respectfully to Al-Nassr’s supporters after the game — a poignant moment of sportsmanship amid high drama.

Watch the Drama Unfold

Dig Deeper with Exclusive Coverage

For full stats and match details, check out Soccerway. For post-match analysis and highlights, visit beIN SPORTS.

Conclusion

✔️ Kawasaki Frontale defied all odds to defeat a $150 million Al-Nassr squad on Asian football’s biggest stage.
✔️ Their underdog story is now part of Asian football folklore, while Ronaldo’s AFC dream remains just out of reach.

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