RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo guided Al Nassr into the final of the Asian Champions League Two, orchestrating a commanding 5–1 demolition of Qatar’s Al Ahli SC to keep the Saudi club on course for their first major silverware since his high-profile move in December 2022.
Though the 41-year-old forward failed to get on the scoresheet during his 78 minutes on the pitch, it was Kingsley Coman who stole the show with a stunning hat-trick that powered Al Nassr’s emphatic comeback.
Job done ✅
Through to the final ⚔️💛 pic.twitter.com/p9VDKp8syw— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 22, 2026
Early scare and swift response
Al Ahli had a golden chance to take control in the seventh minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Julian Draxler’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento.
The visitors did not wait long to break the deadlock. Sekou Yansane cut in from the right flank and curled a precise low finish into the far corner, sending a jolt through the home crowd.
But Al Nassr responded almost immediately. Coman levelled the score from close range after a dynamic run down the left by Angelo. The momentum shifted decisively in favour of the Saudi side, and Angelo soon turned scorer himself, calmly finishing a well-worked setup from Sadio Mane.
A name worthy of the badge… and the number 9️⃣💛 pic.twitter.com/V2MEn663Mo
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 22, 2026
Coman runs riot
Just before the half-time whistle, Coman struck again – reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to give Al Nassr a comfortable 3–1 lead at the break.
He completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute, latching onto another pass from Angelo and finishing with ice-cool composure.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan added a late fifth goal to seal a resounding victory for the hosts.
Nights like this 😍 pic.twitter.com/gD9ZngZodF
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 22, 2026
Road to the final
Al Nassr, who currently sit atop the Saudi Pro League with only five matches remaining, will now face Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final, scheduled to be played in Riyadh on 17 May.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, it is a chance to finally lift a major trophy with the club, a prize that has eluded him since his arrival in the Saudi capital more than three years ago.
