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Japan’s Gamba Osaka knocked off Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr 1-0 in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday, with Turkish striker Deniz Hummet scoring the lone goal to deny Cristiano Ronaldo another trophy with the Riyadh club.
Hummet struck in the 29th minute at Al-Awwal Park, finishing from the edge of the box after meeting a through ball from Issam Jebali as Gamba Osaka claimed the continental title for the first time in club history.
The Swedish-born forward, who previously played for Super Lig side Caykur Rizespor during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, became one of the few Turkish players to win the competition. He joined Gamba Osaka in 2025.
The defeat extended Ronaldo’s search for major silverware since moving to Al Nassr in 2023 on a lucrative deal. Despite recording 121 goals and 24 assists in 142 appearances for the Saudi side, the Portuguese star once again walked away empty-handed from a final.
Ronaldo reportedly did not take part in the post-match medal ceremony after the loss.
The final setback came just days after Al Nassr missed a chance to move closer to the Saudi Pro League title following a dramatic draw against Al Hilal.
"The dream is close," Ronaldo wrote on X earlier in the week after the league draw. "Heads up, we have one more step to take!"
Managed by veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who previously led Fenerbahce, Al Nassr reached the final after winning every previous match in the tournament. Their unbeaten run, however, came to an end in the title clash.
"We had prepared well but they were very fast and they surprised us," Jesus said after the match. "For the first 30 minutes, we were not at our best but after that, we dominated. They only had one opportunity and they scored from it."
The Portuguese coach quickly shifted focus to the domestic title race, noting that Al Nassr still has one decisive league match left to play.
The Riyadh side currently sits top of the Saudi Pro League, holding a two-point lead over Al Hilal heading into the final round.
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