AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champions, Ronaldo awaits major trophy with Al-Nassr continues

The pre-match talk centered on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas and defeated the Saudi team 1-0 on Saturday to take the title.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its reputation on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that started with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into Deniz Hummet’s feet. The attacker, unmarked in the penalty area, calmly slotted home to give Gamba the lead.

«I feel great. To bring this title in front of our supporters, I am happy to score and help the team win,» Hummet told broadcasters after the match.

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Al-Nassr pushed for the equalizer, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki held firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the match, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but his header grazed wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to claw their way back into the match. Mane hit the side netting, while Felix hit the post in the second half before another effort was cleared.

Aiman ​​Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the center of the penalty area, but his shot went wide of the target.

However, Gamba defended with discipline and composure and survived late pressure from Al-Nassr to protect his one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental win.

Published on May 17, 2026