04/22/26 01:50:00
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04/22 13:48 CDT Coman stars as Ronaldo's Al-Nassr reaches Asian Champions
League Two final
Coman stars as Ronaldo's Al-Nassr reaches Asian Champions League Two final
The Associated Press
Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr crush Qatar's Al-Ahli 5-1 on Wednesday to
reach the Asian Champions League Two final and move within touching distance of
a first major trophy since joining the Saudi club in December 2022.
The 41-year-old Portugal superstar played for 78 minutes and, while he did not
score, French international Kingsley Coman's hat trick inspired a comeback
victory in Asia's second-tier club tournament.
Al-Ahli had a chance to take the lead after seven minutes, but a penalty from
former Germany international Julian Draxler was saved by Brazilian goalkeeper
Bento.
Four minutes later, the Qatari side went ahead. Sekou Yansane cut inside from
the right and curled a low shot into the far corner.
Al-Nassr responded almost immediately, with Coman equalizing from close range
after Angelo broke free down the left.
Angelo then put the hosts in front midway through the first half, collecting a
pass from Sadio Mane before guiding the ball past the goalkeeper.
Just before the break, Al-Nassr extended its lead as Coman pounced on a loose
ball to score from close range.
Coman, who joined from Bayern Munich in 2025, completed his hat trick in the
64th, running onto a pass from Angelo and finishing calmly.
Abdullah Al-Hamdan added a late goal to complete the win.
Al-Nassr, which leads the Saudi Pro League with five games remaining, faces
Japan's Gamba Osaka in the Champions League Two final in Riyadh on May 17.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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