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Deniz Hummet’s strike secured Gamba Osaka a stunning 1-0 win over Al Nassr Club in the final of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 at the King Saud University Stadium on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr just could not find a way past Gamba’s defence as the Japanese side tasted continental glory for the first time since lifting the AFC Champions League trophy in 2008.
Defeat meant heartbreak for Al Nassr, who were determined to be the first side from Saudi Arabia to win the AFC Champions League Two.
Not surprisingly, Al Nassr settled the quicker and after some early tentative forays, had their first opportunity in the eighth minute with Sadio Mane laying the ball for Abdulrahman Ghareeb but the midfielder’s shot lacked sting and was easily saved by Gamba custodian Rui Araki.
image content With Gamba struggling to gain a foothold, Al Nassr continued to dictate terms with Joao Felix and Inigo Martinez both making attempts but the 18-year-old Araki was equal to their efforts.
It was then the turn of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mane to miss in quick succession, much to the dismay of their fans.
image content That turned into disbelief in the 30th minute when Gamba took the lead with their first attempt, Hummet turning nicely to latch on to Issam Jebali’s pass before sending his shot into the bottom right corner. The goal galvanised Al Nassr into action but wayward finishing meant Gamba went into the break with their noses in front.
Final: Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Gamba Osaka (JPN) Item 3 of 12 The onus was on Al Nassr to find their way back but despite laying siege on the Gamba goalmouth, the Saudi Pro League side failed to create clear opportunities in the opening minutes.
The Japanese side were forced to sit deep but easily fended off Al Nassr’s attacks as they looked to hit on the counter.
image content With the clock ticking, Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus sent on Kingsley Coman and Salem Al Najdi in an attempt to inject more attacking threat and Mane had their first chance of the second half in the 72nd minute with an effort from just outside the box but Araki made a comfortable safe.
Felix went even closer five minutes later, with his scorching effort beating Araki but not the right post as Gamba survived their closest call of the night.
image content Mohamed Simakan then had a glorious opportunity to draw Al Nassr level but the defender, despite being unchallenged, sent his header straight into a grateful Araki’s arms.
Ronaldo had a clear sight on goal in the 86th minute but – not for the first time on the night – Gamba defended well with Genta Miura on this occasion sticking his foot out to deflect the ball out for a corner. image content An increasingly desperate Al Nassr kept peppering the Gamba goalmouth with shots but it was not to be, with contrasting emotions on display when the final whistle was blown as the Japanese side celebrated and the Saudi Arabian team dropped to the ground in despair.
