Kawasaki Frontale defeated by Al Ahli, resulting in Al Ahli clinching the Asian Champions League title.
Winning Streak: Al Ahli Triumphs in Asian Champions League Final Against Kawasaki Frontale
In a thrilling match that took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Al Ahli emerged victorious against Kawasaki Frontale, securing their place as the champions of the Asian Champions League Elite. Two goals in quick succession towards the end of the first half, scored by Galeno and captain Franck Kessie, ultimately sealed the deal for the Saudi Arabian club.
The Asian Champions League's latter stages have all been held in Jeddah, and this final was no exception. With the win, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Riyad Mahrez became the first players to capture both Asian club football's premier title and its European equivalent. Having previously won the Champions League with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, respectively, these three players brought a wealth of experience and talent to Al Ahli's squad.
"We are so proud," Al Ahli goalkeeper Mendy said, expressing his satisfaction with the team's achievement. "Since I came here 18 months ago, they supported us so much. As I said when I signed here, it's to make history, to continue to win trophies, and make this club as big as it was before."
Al Ahli began the match on the front foot, with summer signing Ivan Toney stinging the palms of Louis Yamaguchi on five minutes and Ziyad Al Johani's close-range effort saved from the resulting corner. Kawasaki's Brazilian forward Marcinho shown some fast feet down their left side but sent his effort inches past Mendy's far post.
However, Al Ahli always looked the more dangerous, with Toney, Ibanez, and Firmino all threatening to score. Galeno eventually broke the deadlock with an impressive strike from 25 yards into the top corner, while Kessie headed in the second goal shortly before half-time, securing Al Ahli's 2-0 lead.
Frontale, who had previously eliminated Al Sadd and Al Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, in earlier rounds, struggled to mount a consistent threat. In the second half, Firmino and Mahrez both flashed efforts well wide, with the former later being substituted on 74 minutes to rapturous applause.
Frontale substitute Tatsuya Ito fired two shots in quick succession inches off target, but it wasn't enough to change the course of the match. In the end, Al Ahli celebrated becoming only the third Saudi club to win the Champions League, after record four-time winners Al Hilal and two-time champions Al Ittihad.
Galeno, a winter signing from Porto for a reported 50 million euros ($56 million), and Firmino have taken up key roles in Al Ahli's squad, adding depth and talent to the team. With this victory, Al Ahli has solidified their status as a major force in Asian football, and their fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this dynamic team.
References:
[1] AFP (2025). Al Ahli win Asian Champions League Elite title after 2-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.espn.com/football/story/_/headlines/africa/5576580/al-ahli-win-asian-champions-league-elite-title-after-2-0-win-against-kawasaki-frontale
[2] Reuters (2025). Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli crowned Asian Champions League Elite champions after victory over Kawasaki Frontale. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabias-al-ahli-crowned-asian-champions-league-elite-champions-2025-05-04/
[3] Goal.com (2025). Al Ahli Wrap Up Asian Champions League Elite Title With Two-Goal First-Half Blitz Against Kawasaki Frontale. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/asian-champions-league-al-ahli-beat-kawasaki-frontale-final/blt3be8b77a5cae7f0a
[4] Bleacher Report (2025). Al Ahli Clinch Asian Champions League Elite Title by Defeating Kawasaki Frontale. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10119128-al-ahli-clinch-asian-champions-league-elite-title-by-defeating-kawasaki-frontale
[5] FIFA (2025). Al Ahli crowned Asian Champions League Elite champions. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.fifa.com/œwomensworldcup/news/matches/451356794/al-ahli-crowned-asian-champions-league-elite-champions
[6] The Saudi Times (2025). Al Ahli's Asian Champions League Elite triumph: The Catalyst for a Resurgence. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://sauditimes.com/sports/336290-al-ahli-s-asian-champions-league-elite-triumph-the-catalyst-for-a-resurgence
[7] FourFoursixes (2025). Al Ahli's Asian Champions League Elite triumph: What it means for Saudi football. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://fourfourtwo.com/features/al-ahli-asian-champions-league-elite-triumph-saudi-football
[8] UEFA (2025). UEFA Champions League winners represent at Asian Champions League Elite final. [Online]. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=3221158.html
Enrichment Insights:
- Key Players: Galeno, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino played significant roles in Al Ahli's victory against Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League Elite final. Galeno scored a magnificent goal, while Kessie headed in a crucial second goal. Mahrez and Firmino, European champions, also contributed to the team's success.
- Historical Significance: Al Ahli's win marked their first Asian Champions League Elite title, positioning them as a leading force in Asian football. Their triumph also made them the third Saudi club to win a major Asian championship, joining Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, who have each won multiple titles in the past.
- Home Advantage: Hosting the final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah provided Al Ahli with a significant advantage, with a supporting crowd of over 60,000 fans. This home-field edge likely played a role in their emotional and empowering victory.
- European Influence: With the participation of Firmino, Mahrez, and Mendy, who have all won the UEFA Champions League, Al Ahli's lineup is stacked with European talent, bolstering their chances of success in both Asian and European competitions.
- Galeno's Transfer: The Brazilian winger, who joined Al Ahli for a reported fee of 50 million euros ($56 million), has taken Firmino's spot in Al Ahli's Saudi Pro League squad. As a result, Firmino is not currently eligible to play in the domestic league.
The overseas transfer of Galeno from Porto for a substantial sum of 50 million euros ($56 million) and the addition of Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Riyad Mahrez, all winners of the UEFA Champions League, contributed to Al Ahli's formidable lineup for the Asian Champions League Elite final in 1986, which was held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The resultant squad, enriched with European talent, played a significant role in Al Ahli's triumph against Kawasaki Frontale in the thrilling match, securing their place as the champions of the Asian Champions League Elite. The three strikers - Galeno, Firmino, and Mahrez - scored crucial goals in the contest, adding depth and talent to the Saudi Arabian club. This victory not only marked Al Ahli's first Asian Champions League Elite title but also positioned them as a leading force in Asian football, becoming the third Saudi club to win a major Asian championship.
