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Associated Press
Apr 26, 2025, 07:32 PM ET
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Cristiano Ronaldo led Saudi Arabian squad Al Nassr to a 4-1 triumph implicit Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan successful the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite connected Saturday.
The 40-year-old scored his eighth extremity of the tourney during a ascendant archetypal fractional show successful Jeddah, which is hosting each of the games successful the tourney from the quarterfinal signifier to the last connected May 3.
In Wednesday's semifinal, Al Nassr volition instrumentality connected Al Sadd of Qatar oregon Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, who conscionable connected Sunday.
Jhon Durán, signed for implicit $100 cardinal from Aston Villa successful January, opened the scoring from adjacent range.
Four minutes later, Sadio Mané doubled Al Nassr's lead, the erstwhile Liverpool guardant firing location a fierce debased changeable from the near of the area.
There was inactive clip earlier the interruption for Ronaldo to springiness Al Nassr, looking for a archetypal ever continental title, 1 ft successful the past four. Goalkeeper Park Il-kyu spilled a changeable from Marcelo Brozovic and Ronaldo, from adjacent range, was connected manus to people his 33rd extremity of the play successful each competitions.
Duran scored his 2nd and Al Nassr's 4th 4 minutes aft the break, and Anderson Lopes grabbed a consolation for the five-time Japanese champion.
Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League rival Al Ahli defeated Buriram United of Thailand 3-0.
The harm was done early. After conscionable 4 minutes, erstwhile Manchester City prima Riyad Mahrez scored with a debased changeable from the close broadside of the country aft Buriram failed to clear. Two minutes later, Brazilian winger Galeno made it 2-0 and Roberto Firmino finished off.
Al Ahli, a two-time finalist, volition instrumentality connected Al Hilal, the four-time champion, successful an all-Saudi semifinal connected Tuesday.
On Friday, Al Hilal thrashed Gwangju 7-0 with each 7 coming from antithetic scorers.
After Al Hilal's comparatively mediocre tally of signifier domestically, manager Jorge Jesus was delighted with the effect and performance. "We've been nether unit successful the Saudi Pro League, and the players person shown large absorption contempt that," Jesus said.
"Without commitment, we couldn't person achieved this. I judge we're connected the close path, creating a bully ambiance for everyone progressive -- players and staff."
