Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi knocked out in their Champions League semis
Al-Nassr stunned by Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in AFC version while Inter Miami lose to Vancouver Whitecaps in Concacaf competition
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr were dumped out of the Asian Champions League Elite as Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale spectacularly ripped up the script with a 3-2 semi-final victory on Wednesday to reach the continental final for the first time.
And just hours later, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were beaten in their Concacaf last-four clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Big-spending Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr succumbed in Jeddah when Yuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga struck after Sadio Mane’s deflected effort in the 28th minute had cancelled out Tatsuya Ito’s 10th-minute opener for the J-League side.
Aiman Yahya scored from distance with three minutes left for Al-Nassr to set up a tense finish but Frontale held on.
Kawasaki will face Al-Ahli, another Saudi side boasting a squad packed with high-profile foreign internationals, in Saturday’s final, with both clubs looking to win their maiden continental crown.
Al-Nassr boss Stefano Pioli blamed an error-strewn display for his side’s exit.