Ronaldo Targets 1st Continental Trophy with Al Nassr in AFC CL2 Final

Cristiano Ronaldo will look to win his first continental title with Al Nassr when the Saudi club hosts Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final on Saturday evening at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh.

Al Nassr are aiming to become the first Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League Two title and claim their first Asian trophy in 28 years, having last won continental silverware in 1998 with the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup and Asian Super Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation previously confirmed that the final would be hosted by the West Zone finalist, giving Al Nassr home advantage for the decisive clash.

The Saudi side booked their place in the final after a dominant 5–1 victory over Qatar’s Al Ahli in the West Zone semi-finals, while Gamba Osaka advanced by defeating Thailand’s Bangkok United 3–1 in the East Zone semi-finals.

Gamba Osaka enter the match with a squad valued at approximately €15.43 million and rely heavily on domestic talent, with only three foreign players in their 35-man squad, reflecting the club’s long-standing focus on developing Japanese players.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus is reportedly preparing several changes to his starting lineup for the final. According to Saudi reports, the Portuguese manager plans to make five adjustments from the side that drew 1–1 with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League derby earlier this week.

The expected rotation is intended to balance preparations for Thursday’s crucial league clash against Damac, which could see Al Nassr crowned Saudi champions for the first time in seven years if results go in their favor.

Players including Sultan Al Ghannam, Saad Al Nasser, Haider Abdulkarim, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, and Abdullah Al Hamdan are all expected to feature, while Ali Al Hassan is set to retain his role in midfield.