In the third quarterfinal match of the AFC Champions League, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr faced Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. Following Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr became the third Saudi team to advance to the semifinals.

Al-Nassr started aggressively, much like their Saudi counterparts, and scored their first goal in the 27th minute through John Durán after Sadio Mané’s cross from the left and a defensive error by Yokohama.

Al-Nassr continued their attacking dominance, doubling their lead in the 31st minute with a swift counterattack and a clinical left-footed finish from Sadio Mané, assisted by Otávio.

Al-Nassr maintained pressure and scored their third in the 38th minute after Marcelo Brozović’s shot rebounded to Cristiano Ronaldo, who slotted it home, effectively sealing the match before halftime.

Yokohama attempted a comeback early in the second half but conceded again in the 49th minute when John Durán capitalized on a rebound after the Japanese goalkeeper failed to clear Ali Al-Hassan’s shot, making it 4-0.

Kota Watanabe pulled one back for Yokohama in the 53rd minute with a well-worked team move, but the same player was sent off in the 73rd minute after receiving a second yellow card, ending any hopes of a comeback.

Al-Nassr held on for a 4-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos, securing their place in the AFC Champions League semifinals alongside Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, making it three Saudi teams in the last four.

Pioli’s men will now face the winner of the match between Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale and Qatar’s Al-Sadd in the semifinals to determine one of the AFC Champions League finalists.