Al Nassr lost 0-1 to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two Final at the Al Awwal Park. The result shocks Asian football as Al Nassr were the heavy favorites to win the competition.
Al Nassr were unbeaten in the competition leading up to the final, and now the team only has the Saudi Pro League to play for this season.
After the full-time whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen walking off the pitch alone and was not back on the pitch for the medal ceremony after the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka at King Saud University Stadium on May 16, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images
Ronaldo is now criticized for not accepting the silver medal with the rest of the Al Nassr team.
The rest of the Al Nassr players and the head coach Jorge Jesus stayed to accept their silver medals and watched as the Japanese side lifted the AFC Champions League Two Trophy.
Jorge Jesus After Loss to Gamba Osaka
Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus attended the post-match presser to address the loss to Gamba Osaka.
Jesus gave the Japanese side credit for their pace, which made it difficult for the Saudi Arabia team, who are still in contention to win the Saudi Pro League this season.
Jesus said, "We knew we would be playing against a fast opponent, and they surprised us with their excellent performance. This is a final match, and only one team can win. We didn't play well in the first 30 minutes, but after that, we controlled the game, while the opponent scored from their only shot."
Al Nassr's final game of the season will be on Thursday against Damac FC, which marks the last game of the Saudi Pro League. If Al Nassr wins, they win the league title, but a loss or a draw could see them lose out on the title if Al Hilal wins their final game.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
