Japanese side Gamba Osaka to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in AFC Champions League 2

Gamba Osaka

By Emmanuel Akyereko Frimpong

Two-time Japanese J1 League title-winners Gamba Osaka will come face to face with Cristiano Ronaldo’s star-studded Al Nassr in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League final 2 on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the Alawwal Park in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Based in Suita, Osaka-Shi, Gamba Osaka lifted the 2008 AFC Champions League trophy after defeating Australian side Adelaide United 5-0 on aggregate in a two-legged final.

18 years later, the 5-time Emperor’s Cup winners have another continental title in sight however face a side made up of top-level experienced players who have been decorated with a plethora of coveted titles from Europe.

With Cristiano Ronaldo – undoubtedly the Middle East top Leagues most decorated player aside, the Saudi Pro League leaders also have French star Kingsley Coman, Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, as well as Croatian Marcelo Brozović.

The route to the final for Gamba appeared commanding after coming through Group F, finishing 9 points clear off second-placed Ratchaburi F.C – winning all 6 games in the process.

Gamba Osaka defeated Thai side Bangkok Utd 3-1 aggregate in the semi-final clash after squeezing past Ratchaburi 2-1 in the quarter-finals.