Algerian footballer Mahrez seeks to secure the initial Asian Champions League title for Al Ahli
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Al Ahli, the local lads since the latter stages have taken place in Jeddah, are playing for the second time in the Champions League era. Back in 2012, they faced South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai and suffered a loss. Yet, they've remained undefeated in this season's competition.
Mahrez, a former Manchester City player, spoke up at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday, expressing that Al Ahli is well aware of the unrelenting pressure surrounding the team, especially owing to their boisterous home-town backing.
"Of course, we feel the pulsating energy," Mahrez said. "The fans are like a fifth player on the field, ready to push us to our limits. Their passion never wavers, and we aim to repay that dedication with a win."
Mahrez, a Champions League winner in Europe with City in 2023, leads the league in assists, with eight. Notching a goal in the final would tie him for the top spot at ten. He's also a highly decorated player, having won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with his country.
"This final isn't just another trophy; it's a golden opportunity to make history for both ourselves and the club staff who have worked tirelessly to get us here," Mahrez added. "We're ready to dig deep and give it our all to claim that trophy."
Mahrez set up another ex-Premier League star, Ivan Toney, for a score in the semifinal, and ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino and substitute Feras Al Buraikan also managed to find the net. The squad also boasts former Chelsea 'keeper Edouard Mendy and former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
Frontale, who hail from Japan, qualified for their first Asian final and prevented an all-Saudi showdown by astonishingly besting Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr 3-2 on Wednesday. The team is the fifth Japanese club ever to play in a Champions League final.
Frontale manager Shigetoshi Hasebe stated following their victory against Al Nassr that his team would "surprise" Al Ahli in the final. However, Hasebe was more guarded on Friday, stating that success relies on the entire team's maximum effort.
"We can't afford to leave anything on the table," Hasebe said. "Each player must summon every ounce of energy and show their true mettle on the field."
When asked about Hasebe's notion that his team might cause an upset, Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle responded coyly.
"Let's see how the coach of the opposition plans to catch us off guard," Jaissle said with a sly smile. "We respect our opponents; we know their might, and we will be ready."
Frontale captain Yasuto Wakizaka asserted that the final represents a tremendous opportunity for his club and the potential to advance to a global status.
"If we can pull off a victory against such a heavyweight team like Al Ahli or Al Nassr, it will be monumental for our club," Wakizaka said. "We'll take this chance to establish ourselves as a global force in football."
The 2025 AFC Champions League Elite final is scheduled for May 3, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting at 9:30 AM PDT (5:30 PM local time). The match will be broadcast live on TrillerTV+ in the UK, Ireland, Belgium, and France.
- Al Ahli, who are competing in the second Champions League era, hail from Algeria and are based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Mahrez, a former Manchester City and Champions League winner in Europe, has expressed that the local support at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is a significant motivator for Al Ahli.
- In the Champions League Elite final on May 3, 2025, Al Ahli will face Frontale from Africa, with the match scheduled to start at 9:30 AM PDT (5:30 PM local time) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Frontale, the fifth Japanese club to reach a Champions League final, prevented an all-Saudi showdown by besting Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr 3-2.
- If Frontale, captained by Yasuto Wakizaka, manages to win against Al Ahli, they believe it will help establish themselves as a global force in football.
