Ronaldo watched somberly as the VFF President awarded the cup to Gamba Osaka.
The only goal of the match was scored by striker Deniz Hummet in the 29th minute. After conceding, Al Nassr pushed forward and controlled 67% of possession, taking a total of 17 shots but failing to find the net.
The 41-year-old superstar alone had 5 shots, none on target, and missed 2 clear chances. With such a poor performance, Ronaldo received a rating of 6.0 from Sofascore experts, the lowest score among all 32 players on the field in the AFC Champions League Two final.
This defeat caused Al Nassr to miss the chance to win their first continental title in nearly three decades, and Ronaldo is still without his first official trophy with the Saudi club.
Ronaldo still has one opportunity to win the league title with Al Nassr this season. They are leading the standings with 83 points, 2 points ahead of second-placed Al Hilal. In the final round, Al Nassr will host Damac at Alawwal Park on May 22. A victory will secure the championship for Ronaldo and Al Nassr.
VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan (right) presents the championship trophy to Gamba Osaka club captain.Tran Quoc Tuan (Chairman of the Competition Committee, AFC Executive Committee member) shakes hands with the refereeing team officiating the final.
The AFC Champions League Two final was held at Al Awwal Park, which has a capacity of 25,000 seats.
Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Chairman of the Competition Committee, and AFC Executive Committee member, attended the match and presented the championship trophy to Gamba Osaka on behalf of the AFC President.
In the technical area, Cristiano Ronaldo stood stunned and silent as goalkeeper Bento made an incredible mistake in the 90+8th minute, causing Al Nassr to miss the chance to clinch the Saudi Pro League title early this season.
AFC Champions League Two
The AFC Champions League Two is a secondary club football competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), launched in 2024 as part of a restructuring of Asian club tournaments. It replaced the AFC Cup, which had been the second-tier competition since 2004, and features teams from across Asia that do not qualify for the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite. The tournament aims to provide more competitive opportunities for clubs from developing football nations in Asia.
Alawwal Park
Alawwal Park, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a modern multi-purpose stadium primarily used for football matches. Opened in 2023, it serves as the home ground for Al-Hilal FC and was built to host major sporting events, including matches for the Saudi Professional League. The stadium reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
Al Nassr
Al Nassr is a professional football club based
AFC Champions League Two
The AFC Champions League Two is a secondary continental club football competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), launched in 2024 as the successor to the AFC Cup. It features teams from lower-ranked Asian leagues that do not qualify for the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite. This tournament aims to provide competitive opportunities and development pathways for clubs across Asia.
Alawwal Park
Alawwal Park is a football stadium located in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and serves as the home ground for the Al-Qadsiah FC. Originally opened in 2020, it was renamed after Alawwal Bank secured the naming rights, reflecting a modern trend in sports sponsorship. The stadium has a capacity of around 11,000 spectators and is known for hosting various local and international matches.
Al Nassr
Al Nassr refers to Al Nassr FC, a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1955. The club has a rich history as one of the most successful teams in Saudi and Asian football, winning numerous domestic league titles and the AFC Champions League. In recent years, it gained global attention by signing star players like Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023, further elevating its international profile.
Gamba Osaka
Gamba Osaka is a professional football club based in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, competing in the J1 League. Founded in 1980 as Matsushita Electric Industrial’s company team, the club turned professional in 1993 and has since become one of Japan’s most successful clubs, winning multiple J1 League titles, Emperor’s Cups, and the AFC Champions League in 2008. The team’s name “Gamba” means “to strive” or “to work hard” in Italian, reflecting their determined playing style.
Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia, established in 1976 to organize and elevate the sport in the country. It has grown significantly in recent years, attracting global attention by signing major international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. This influx of talent marks a new era for the league, aiming to boost its competitiveness and international profile.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal is a prominent Saudi Arabian football club based in Riyadh, founded in 1957. The club is one of the most successful in Asia, having won numerous domestic league titles and AFC Champions League trophies. Its name, meaning “the crescent moon,” reflects a symbol deeply connected to Islamic culture and heritage.
Damac
Damac is a luxury real estate developer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, known for its high-end residential and commercial projects, including the iconic Damac Hills and Aykon City. Founded in 2002 by Hussain Sajwani, the company has grown rapidly, partnering with global brands like Versace and Trump to create opulent properties. Its developments have significantly shaped Dubai’s modern skyline, reflecting the city’s rapid economic growth and focus on luxury tourism.
Vietnam Football Federation
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is the governing body for association football in Vietnam, responsible for organizing national leagues and managing the country’s national teams. Founded in 1962 as the Football Association of the Republic of Vietnam, it was restructured after the reunification of the country in 1976 and officially adopted its current name. The VFF has played a key role in the growth of Vietnamese football, notably overseeing the national team’s historic qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
