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Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr powered into the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals with an emphatic 4-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday. Early goals from Jhon Durán, Sadio Mane, and Ronaldo set the tone for the Saudi side, with Durán adding another early in the second half. Although Kota Watanabe pulled one back for Yokohama, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
The result sees Al Nassr one step closer to continental glory as they prepare for a pivotal semifinal clash.
Who Will Face Al Nassr in the Semis?
Kawasaki Frontale from Japan is Al Nassr's opponent now confirmed for the semifinal. They fought hard to earn it by winning their quarterfinal match 3-2 against Qatar's Al-Sadd.
Even a moment after Brazilian striker Erison opened the scoring for Kawasaki just four minutes into the match, Al-Sadd levelled the score; Marcinho's deft lofted finish restored the lead for the Japanese side. In the 71st minute, Claudinho equalized for Al-Sadd, forcing extra time when midfield Wakisaka sealed triumph with a decisive strike, culminating Kawasaki's historic appearance in the semifinals.
Saudi Royalty in the AFC Champions League Elite
With the advancement of Kawasaki, the semifinal lineup is finally ready. Of the four semifinalists, three are Saudi Arabian teams: Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli. All three big-spending clubs from Saudi Arabia have been truly dominating this season, with a total combined score of 14-1 from contesting their three quarterfinals.
In line for the Tuesday all-Saudi semifinal will be Al Hilal against Al Ahli, while the next day will see a North local face-off as Al Nassr battles Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah. All this is viewed as a strong homefield support and familiar conditions for their chances of going to the finals.
Continental Success from Saudi Investment
Clearly felt are the effects of Saudi Arabia's megamillion expenditure at a reported figure nearing $1 billion during the 2023 summer window. The academization of international superstars has heightened the standard of football within the Saudi Pro League, unparalleled and leagues above in their robust displays in the upper echelons of Asia's top club competition.
Fetched from Aston Villa in an even more than $80 million deal, newly acquired January signing Jhon Durán scored a double complemented with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in Al Nassr's 'demolition derby' of Yokohama, 4-1. The difference in quality is just glaring.
Yokohama Coach Admits Saudi Superiority
After the heavy defeat, Yokohama’s interim coach Patrick Kisnorbo acknowledged the challenge posed by Saudi clubs:
“When you come here, the teams are playing Premier League-level football,” Kisnorbo admitted. “I don't think it's a technical issue but sometimes these things happen. We have to move forward.”
With all eyes now on Jeddah, Ronaldo and Al Nassr will look to continue their charge toward the final, aiming to lift the AFC Champions League Elite trophy and further cement Saudi Arabia’s growing dominance in Asian football.
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