J-League aspect Kawasaki Frontale beat the star-studded Saudi membership 3-2 in Jeddah to enter the Champions League ultimate.
Kawasaki Frontale’s Tatsuya Ito has in contrast lining up beside Cristiano Ronaldo earlier than their Asian Champions League Elite semifinal to being in “a online game” because the J-League outfit handed the Saudi membership a 3-2 defeat to progress to the ultimate.
Ito shrugged off any sense of being starstruck to open the scoring in spectacular style within the tenth minute at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis Stadium to ship Kawasaki on their approach to a spot in Saturday’s ultimate in opposition to Al-Ahli.
“Al Nassr have Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and such huge names and in that recreation at some moments there have been difficulties for us to play in opposition to them,” stated Ito.
“They have been attacking nicely however I used to be glad to be on the pitch with them tonight.
“There have been some huge names taking part in right here. Earlier than we went on the pitch they have been subsequent to me. It felt prefer it was a online game.”
Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo fights for the ball with Kawasaki’s Kota Takai through the AFC Champions League semifinal on the King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis in Jeddah (AFP)
Kawasaki have been unfancied earlier than the sport having wanted additional time to defeat Qatar’s Al Sadd on Sunday to progress to the semifinals, however Ito’s completely struck first-time volley from the sting of the penalty space gave his aspect the perfect begin.
Mane equalised with a deflected effort simply earlier than the half-hour mark just for Ito to be closely concerned once more as Kawasaki regained the lead.
The previous Hamburg ahead’s tempo caught the Al Nassr defence out and, whereas goalkeeper Bento saved Ito’s try on purpose, Yuto Ozeki netted the rebound to revive his aspect’s lead.
Substitute Akihiro Ienaga hit Kawasaki’s third 14 minutes from time, and Frontale wanted that further cushion as Aiman Yahya struck from distance with three minutes remaining to arrange a grandstand end from which Kawasaki prevailed.
“This is essential, not just for the membership however for Japanese soccer and the J-League as nicely,” Ito stated of the win. “This can be a nice alternative to indicate the extent of the J-League. We’re representatives of Japan.
“Earlier than the sport right now the supervisor stated to us that we got here right here to make historical past. Now we’re doing that. Hopefully within the subsequent recreation we are able to win the title and convey the trophy again to Japan.”
Ronaldo took to social media to precise his disappointment with the loss and console Al Nassr’s followers over a dream that “has to attend”.
Generally the dream has to attend. I’m pleased with this crew and every thing we gave on the pitch. 🟡🔵
Thanks to all of the followers who believed in us and stood by us each step of the best way. Your help means the world. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sLP6k4ihrH
– Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) April 30, 2025
