By Our Correspondent

National News – Cristiano Ronaldo endured another painful setback on Saturday after Al Nassr lost 1-0 to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final.

The match was played at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh before more than 26,000 fans, with Al Nassr entering the game as strong favourites to claim their first continental title in the competition.

The Saudi side dominated possession for large periods of the encounter but failed to convert several scoring opportunities.

Japanese forward Deniz Hummet scored the decisive goal in the 29th minute after connecting with a through pass from Issam Jebali and firing past the Al Nassr defence.

The goal stunned the home supporters and proved enough to hand Gamba Osaka the trophy.

Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus admitted his side struggled early in the game despite improving after conceding.

He explained that Gamba Osaka’s quick attacking style caused problems during the opening stages before Al Nassr regained control.

However, the Saudi club could not find an equaliser despite sustained pressure in the second half.

The defeat came only days after Ronaldo and his teammates suffered another disappointment in the Saudi Pro League title race.

Al Nassr had moved close to securing the domestic league crown before conceding a late equaliser against Al Hilal through an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Bento.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2023 on a high-profile deal, is still chasing his first major trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The Portuguese superstar expressed optimism earlier in the week, insisting the team still had one final step to complete in the league race.

Al Nassr now turn attention to their final Saudi Pro League match against Damac, while rivals Al Hilal face Al Fayha on the same day.

The title race remains alive with only one game left this season.