Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a first major trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia goes on after his Al Nassr side was beaten 1-0 by Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final of the AFC Champions League Two on Saturday.

Osaka scored with its only shot on target of the game, through Deniz Hümmet’s goal in the 29th minute. Despite dominating possession and shots at goal, Al Nassr failed to find an equalizer.

The defeat in Riyadh means Ronaldo has now lost four finals since joining Al Nassr in December 2022. His solitary final success came in the Arab Club Champions Cup, an unofficial competition, in 2023.

The latest setback came five days after Al Nassr was seconds away from winning the Saudi Pro League for the first time since 2019, only to concede in stoppage time and leave the title race to be decided on the final matchday on Thursday.

It was a frustrating night for the home side. Al Nassr created multiple openings in the first half but Osaka took the lead in the 30th minute. Hammat turned and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the area. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood.

“I am happy to score and help the team and to do my best for this club,” said Hammat, who went off injured at halftime. “I was nervous watching in the second half but the most important thing is that we won and I am proud of my teammates. Now it is time to celebrate and enjoy.”

Osaka defended in numbers and with discipline, making it difficult for Al-Nassr’s star-studded attack to create clear chances.

Ronaldo, who joined the club in December 2022, came close to equalizing just before halftime but his close-range header from a João Félix cross sailed wide. Felix, who signed from Chelsea in July, went even closer with 13 minutes remaining, striking the post with a low shot from outside the area.

Despite the double disappointment this week, Al Nassr can still clinch the Saudi Pro League. It leads Al Hilal by two points heading into the final game against Damac on Thursday.

According to ‘Marca’, Real Madrid have already decided that Jose Mourinho will be the team’s new manager for the 2026–27 season. The official announcement could be made once La Liga has concluded.

The end of the season at Real Madrid has been rather turbulent. Having been ruled out of the title race, the club has faced one problem after another, both on and off the pitch.

It all came to a head a few days ago with Florentino Perez’s press conference, where the ‘Merengue’ president officially announced that elections would be held shortly, with a deadline for nominations set for 23rd May. One of the issues that will need to be addressed once the season is over is the position of head coach.

READ ALSO: Xabi Alonso Set To Become New Chelsea Manager On Long-Term Deal

Arbeloa’s departure seems all but certain, and a flurry of names has been circulating in the meantime. However, as ‘Marca’ reported on Friday, the decision appears to have already been made.

Real Madrid have chosen Jose Mourinho as their new manager for the 2026-27 season. The newspaper also suggests that the board, including the president, believe the Portuguese is the only one capable of restoring order and putting an end to the powder keg that is the Real Madrid dressing room at the moment. 

Everything suggests that the key date for the official announcement will be once La Liga concludes on 23rd May. The Portuguese manager could invoke a release clause to leave Benfica for around €3 million once he has played his final match with the Lisbon side.

Mourinho will have a say in the team’s sporting planning and will decide on both the departures and the signings he is interested in. Thirteen years on, the paths of the Portuguese manager and Real Madrid are about to cross once again. 

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Xabi Alonso is set to be announced as the new manager of Chelsea FC in the coming days after reaching a full agreement with the Premier League club.

According to reports, the former Spanish midfielder has agreed to a four-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 2030. The deal is understood to be fully completed, with an official announcement expected very soon.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly expected to arrive in London within the next few days to begin preparations for his new role and start a fresh chapter in his managerial career. The appointment marks a major step for Chelsea as the club looks to rebuild and compete strongly both domestically and in Europe.

READ ALSO: Enzo Maresca Leaves Chelsea After Turbulent End To 2025

The former Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager has earned widespread praise for his tactical approach, leadership, and impressive work in recent seasons. His managerial success has made him one of the most highly rated young coaches in European football.

Reports also indicate that Alonso will play a significant role in Chelsea’s summer transfer plans. The club is expected to back the new manager in the transfer market as preparations begin for the 2026/27 season.

Chelsea are believed to be targeting key additions to strengthen several areas of the squad, with Alonso expected to work closely with the club’s recruitment team to shape the team according to his playing philosophy and long-term vision.

The appointment is already generating excitement among Chelsea supporters, many of whom view Alonso as a manager capable of bringing stability, identity, and success back to the club after a challenging period in recent seasons.

During his playing career, Xabi Alonso enjoyed successful spells with clubs including Liverpool FC, Real Madrid CF, and FC Bayern Munich, winning multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea are expected to formally unveil Alonso once the final formalities are completed, with fans eagerly awaiting the beginning of a new era at Stamford Bridge.