English
Kawasaki Frontale Edges Out Al-Nassr in Thrilling AFC Champions League Semi-Final
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale secured a 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in a dramatic AFC Champions League semi-final clash at the Al Inma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City. The match, refereed by Australia’s Alireza Faghani, was played on April 30th, 2025 and proved to be a captivating encounter until the final whistle.
Despite Al-Nassr’s overwhelming possession (74%), Kawasaki Frontale demonstrated greater clinical finishing. T. Ito opened the scoring in the 10th minute, only for S. Mane to equalize for Al-Nassr in the 28th. Y. Ozeki restored the lead for the Japanese side in the 41st minute. Al-Nassr, who saw A. Lajami receive a yellow card in the 37th minute, pushed relentlessly for an equalizer. A. Yahya managed to score in the 87th minute, but A. Ienaga’s goal in the 76th minute proved decisive, securing the victory for Kawasaki Frontale.
Al-Nassr registered 19 shots (6 on target), but Kawasaki Frontale proved more accurate with their 9 attempts, 5 of which hit the target. Both teams earned 5 corners, while Kawasaki Frontale committed 10 fouls compared to Al-Nassr’s 5.
Kawasaki Frontale’s victory propels them into the AFC Champions League final. Their efficiency in front of goal allowed them to overcome Al-Nassr’s dominant possession and secure a memorable win.
Substitutions al-nassr: at minute 44 Angelo came in and A. Al Hassan went out., at minute 44 A. Laporte came in and A. Lajami went out., at minute 77 A. Yahya came in and S. Al Ghannam went out., at minute 78 Wesley came in and M. Brozovic went out.
Substitutions kawasaki frontale: at minute 46 Erison came in and S. Kanda went out., at minute 46 Y. Wakizaka came in and Y. Ozeki went out., at minute 60 S. Kawahara came in and K. Tachibanada went out., at minute 64 A. Ienaga came in and Marcinho went out., at minute 70 A. Sasaki came in and S. van Wermeskerken went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Al-Nassr
Titulares:
Kawasaki Frontale
Titulares:
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