Ronaldo in tears as Japanese underdogs shock Saudi giants (Al-Nassr vs Kawasaki analysis) | OneFootball

Kawasaki Stun Al-Nassr in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

Japanese Side Claim Historic 3-2 Away Victory Against Ronaldo's Team

Kawasaki Frontale produced one of the AFC Champions League's most memorable upsets, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's star-studded Al-Nassr 3-2 in the semi-final first leg in Saudi Arabia.

The Japanese side, appearing in their first-ever Champions League semi-final, weathered an onslaught of Al-Nassr pressure to claim a precious advantage heading into the return fixture.

Clinical Visitors Punish Wasteful Hosts

Despite Al-Nassr dominating possession (74%) and registering 21 shots to Kawasaki's nine, it was the visitors who displayed ruthless efficiency in front of goal.

Tatsuya Ito, a January signing from 1. FC Magdeburg, opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Sadio Mané equalized for the hosts. Young striker Yuto Ozeki restored Kawasaki's lead before halftime, and veteran substitute Akihiro Ienaga added a crucial third in the 76th minute.

Ayman Yahya's late goal for Al-Nassr provided a lifeline for Stefano Pioli's team, but couldn't prevent tears from Ronaldo at the final whistle as his dream of Asian glory took a significant blow.

Tactical Masterclass from Hasebe

Kawasaki manager Shigetoshi Hasebe made five changes from their quarter-final victory over Al-Sadd just two days earlier, a decision that proved inspired.

"It was difficult before it started, and it was difficult after it started," Hasebe said post-match. "It was dangerous at the end, but the players understood what was needed and closed out the game well."

The inclusion of youngsters Ozeki (20) and Soma Kanda (19) provided energy and pressing that disrupted Al-Nassr's midfield, particularly limiting the influence of Marcelo Brozović.

Ozeki Delivers on Promise

Yuto Ozeki, who only joined Kawasaki in February from Fukushima United, admitted to pre-match nerves but delivered when it mattered.

"I was nervous when I heard I'd start... but I told the media I'd score and I delivered," said the 20-year-old striker after netting Kawasaki's crucial second goal.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi, another January arrival, made several vital saves including a spectacular stop from a Ronaldo free-kick in stoppage time to preserve Kawasaki's advantage.

Al-Nassr Left to Reflect

For Al-Nassr, the defeat represents a significant setback in their quest for continental glory. Despite fielding a lineup featuring Ronaldo, Mané, and €77 million January signing Jhon Durán, they couldn't overcome Kawasaki's organization and spirit.

Pioli's side now face a challenging second leg in Japan, needing to overturn a deficit against opponents who have proven they can punish any defensive lapses.

Final Awaits

Kawasaki will now face Al-Ahli in the Champions League final on May 3, with the winner set to claim a reported $10 million prize. For the Japanese side, it represents a chance to make history against another Saudi powerhouse.

The result stands as a triumph of team cohesion and tactical discipline over individual star power, with Kawasaki's players determined to "win for all of Japanese football" according to post-match comments.