Al Nassr secures ACL2 final berth with dominant victory over Al Ahli
Category: Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old superstar of Al Nassr, has a chance to end his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia after the team secured a decisive 5-1 victory against Al Ahli of Qatar in the semifinals of the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) on April 23, 2026, at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
This victory marks a potential turning point for Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023, and it sets the stage for a showdown against Gamba Osaka in the final scheduled for May 17, 2026. The match will take place at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, which serves as Al Nassr's home ground.
Al Nassr's dominant performance in the semifinals showcased their strength, particularly through the efforts of Kingsley Coman, who scored a hat-trick. Coman found the net in the 12th minute to equalize after Al Ahli took an early lead, and he added two more goals in first-half stoppage time and the 63rd minute. Brazilian midfielder Ângelo also contributed significantly, providing one goal and three assists during the match, demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.
With this victory, Al Nassr continues to lead the Saudi Pro League with 25 wins, one draw, and three losses, accumulating 76 points. They are well ahead of second-place Al Hilal, who has 68 points, and are on track to secure the league title as well. The team's ambition to achieve a double—winning both the league and the ACL2—remains firmly in sight.
The road to the final has not been without its challenges for Al Nassr. The ACL2 tournament has faced delays due to the unstable political situation in the Middle East, leading to a unique knockout format held in neutral locations. Nonetheless, Al Nassr's resilience shone through as they maintained their form, winning their last 19 official matches. This streak has bolstered their confidence heading into the final.
Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr was initially met with skepticism, particularly as he failed to secure any major titles during his first year with the club. Critics pointed to his hefty salary of €200 million (approximately $360 million) as a reason for the heightened expectations. Yet, after signing a two-year contract extension last year, Ronaldo has remained committed to the club's success and is now on the brink of achieving his long-awaited first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.
Historically, Ronaldo has enjoyed considerable success in European football with clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus, but his last continental title came in 2018 with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The upcoming final presents him with a unique opportunity to add an Asian title to his illustrious career.
The final against Gamba Osaka, a formidable team from Japan's J-League, will be a highly anticipated clash. Both teams have shown strong performances throughout the tournament, and the match is expected to draw considerable attention from fans across Asia and beyond. With the game being hosted in Riyadh, the home advantage could play a decisive role in Al Nassr's pursuit of victory.
Coach Jorge Jesus expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their rhythm and focus as they approach the final. "It is truly difficult to reach the final, and after that, anything is possible," he said after the semifinal match. Coman echoed this sentiment, stating, "Teamwork is the key to winning. We haven't achieved anything yet, and we are ready to give more to win."
As Ronaldo prepares for this monumental match, the stakes are high—for the team and for his individual legacy. Should Al Nassr triumph, it could mark a new chapter in his career, finally lifting a trophy that has eluded him since his arrival in Saudi Arabia. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the showdown on May 17, where Ronaldo hopes to silence the critics and etch his name in Asian football history.