Ito's Stunning Goal Helps Kawasaki Reach ACL Final

Kawasaki Frontale defeated Al Nassr 3-2 in the Asian Champions League Elite semi-final, with Tatsuya Ito scoring a spectacular goal. Read more about their historic win.

Tatsuya Ito described lining up beside Cristiano Ronaldo as feeling “like a video game” before their Asian Champions League Elite semi-final match. Ito's remarkable performance helped Kawasaki Frontale secure a 3-2 win over Al Nassr, advancing them to the final.

Ito opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a spectacular goal, setting Kawasaki on their way to a historic victory at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The win sends Kawasaki to the final against Al Ahli on Saturday.

Tatsuya Ito acknowledged the challenge of facing Al Nassr, saying, “Al Nassr have Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and such big names, and in that game, at some moments, there were difficulties for us to play against them. They were attacking well.” Despite this, Ito expressed his excitement, adding, “I was happy to be on the pitch with them tonight.”

𝙂𝙊𝙇𝘼𝙕𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏 🚨

Tatsuya Ito kick starts the Kawasaki Frontale dream! 🇯🇵#ACLElite | #NSRvKWF pic.twitter.com/ulDzidOeFm

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) April 30, 2025

Ito described the experience of lining up against star players, saying, “Before we went on the pitch, they were next to me. It felt like it was a video game.” Ito's impressive performance helped Kawasaki Frontale secure a 3-2 win, advancing them to the final.

Ito's perfectly struck first-time volley gave Kawasaki an ideal start, showcasing his skill and composure on the field. The win marked a significant achievement for Kawasaki, who were considered underdogs before the match.

Sadio Mane equalized for Al Nassr with a deflected effort just before the half-hour mark. However, Tatsuya Ito's pace proved crucial again as he created an opportunity that led to Yuto Ozeki netting the rebound, restoring Kawasaki's lead after goalkeeper Bento saved Ito's shot.

TATSUYA ITO. WHAT A STRIKE. 😱

Kawasaki takes the early lead over Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League semi's 👀 pic.twitter.com/a1kou0ur2V

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 30, 2025

Kawasaki sealed their victory when substitute Akihiro Ienaga scored the team's third goal 14 minutes from time. Although Aiman Yahya's late strike set up a tense finish, Kawasaki held on for the 3-2 win.

“This is very important, not only for the club but for Japanese football and the J-League as well,” Ito said. “This is a great opportunity to show the level of the J-League. We are representatives of Japan.”

“Before the game today, the manager said to us that we came here to make history. Now we are doing that. Hopefully, in the next game, we can win the title and bring the trophy back to Japan.”