Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a significant trophy in Saudi Arabia extends as Al-Nassr suffered a defeat with a score of 3-2 against Kawasaki Frontale in the semifinals of the Asian Champions League on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh club in December 2022, had opportunities but could not find the back of the net.

Kawasaki Frontale is set to compete against another Saudi club, Al-Ahli, in the finals this Saturday, with both teams eager for their first continental crown.

Kawasaki went ahead just 10 minutes into the game thanks to a stunning volley from Tatsuya Ito. However, Al-Nassr equalized shortly before the half-hour mark when Sadio Mane, a former player for Liverpool, scored to make it 1-1.

Soon after, Ronaldo almost scored when his header hit the post, but Kawasaki regained the lead just three minutes before halftime, with Yuto Ozeki netting a goal.

Al-Nassr attempted to hold off but slipped further behind in the 76th minute as Akihiro Ienaga scored. Al-Nassr’s Ayman Yahya managed to score with three minutes left on the clock, but despite Ronaldo and Jhon Duran — who transferred for over $100 million from Aston Villa in January — coming close, Al-Nassr could not equalize.

Kawasaki Frontale’s path to the final was secured after defeating the Saudi Pro League team, Al-Hilal, with a scoreline of 3-1 on Tuesday.