Former Liverpool player Firmino expresses pride upon creating additional Champions League history
Reborn Warrior: Roberto Firmino's Magnetic Performance Leads Al Ahli to Historic AFC Champions League Victory
In a spectacular display of prowess, the scintillating 33-year-old Roberto Firmino, once a core member of Jurgen Klopp's ace squad triumphing in the UEFA Champions League 2019, has etched his name in history as he inspired Al Ahli to a first-ever Asian Champions League title.
The enigmatic Brazilian, now a prominent figure at the Jeddah club, claimed the AFC Champions League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award following a 2-0 triumph against Kawasaki Frontale last Saturday. Beaming with pride and gratitude, Firmino stated, "I'm ecstatic and incredibly proud of my team. We made history here, and it's a privilege to repay the unwavering support from the club, my family, and friends."
Firmino's pulsating impact was evident in the six goals he scored en route to the final and his decisive influence in the showpiece. The seasoned veteran laid on a scintillating assist for fellow Brazilian Galeno to curve an exquisite shot into the top corner in the 35th minute, before delivering a pinpoint cross seven minutes later for Franck Kessie to nod home.
"This victory demonstrates our insatiable grit and spirit," Firmino declared. "We always believed we could emerge as champions, and here we are."
Matthias Jaissle, Al Ahli's charismatic head coach, lauded the astounding 58,000 home fans at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium for their exhilarating support and celebrated their role in securing the win.
"I'm incredibly proud of the players for their breathtaking performances, the exceptional journey we embarked upon, and the magnificent atmosphere they fostered," said Jaissle, a German tactician. "Together, we forged something truly special."
The triumph was even more astounding given Al Ahli's dramatic descent to relegation from the Saudi Pro League just three years ago. 'It's been a dizzying journey,' confessed Jaissle, referring to the club's rollercoaster ride to success.
However, Shigetoshi Hasebe, Kawasaki Frontale's coach, admitted that his team had been outmatched by Al Ahli's fiery and diligent performance, particularly in the first half.
"It's indubitable that Al Ahli deserved to claim the title. They showcased their strength during the game, but we simply couldn't keep up," Hasebe conceded.
Despite a valiant effort against Al Sadd and upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al Nassr earlier in the competition, Frontale's reserves were evidently depleted after a grueling week featuring three high-stakes games.
"If we could plays as we're capable of, we could have claimed victory. Unfortunately, tonight it didn't transcend for us, and we have much to improve upon for the future," Hasebe reflected.
Frustratingly for Hasebe, Frontale's defensive vulnerability was their Achilles heel again, having conceded towering goals in their quarter-final and semi-final clashes in the competition.
"Every single game we played in this tournament, we surrendered two goals, which is something we must enhance for future campaigns," Hasebe lamented.
© 2025 AFP
- [4] Enrichment Data: Roberto Firmino's Champions League triumph not only marked his first success with Al Ahli but also conveyed the wholesome rehabilitation of his career after being recusant from the league team but eventually bouncing back with this triumphant achievement.
- [5] Enrichment Data: Roberto Firmino's exceptional play in the final prompted tears of joy upon securing the coveted AFC title. Additionally, his remarkable performance was not only pivotal in Al Ahli's Masterstroke but also cemented his reputation within the club and across the continental gaming arena.
- Roberto Firmino's victory in the AFC Champions League with Al Ahli doesn't just represent his first success with the club, but it also signifies the complete revitalization of his career, after a brief hiatus from the league team, culminating in this triumphant achievement.
- Despite a valiant effort in the tournament, Kawasaki Frontale's vulnerabilities on defense, evident in the numerous goals they conceded throughout the competition, proved to be their undoing in the face of Al Ahli's consistent and resilient performance in the European leagues.
- Roberto Firmino's electrifying play in the AFC Champions League final wasn't just crucial for Al Ahli's triumph, but it also solidified his standing not only within the club but also across the continental sports arena, bringing forth a river of joy upon securing the coveted title.
