Kawasaki is defeated by Al-Ahli, granting the latter its inaugural Asian Champions League triumph.
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Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia grabbed their first AFC Champions League Elite title in a thrilling showdown against Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, winning 2-0 on May 3, 2025.
The Jeddah squad, playing on home turf, left no doubt about their dominance, ending the tournament unbeaten and earning a well-deserved win in front of 60,000 passionate fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Roberto Firmino, the tournament MVP, orchestrated the attack, with Galeno and Franck Kessie making the scoreboard dance. Galeno, a new acquisition from Porto, netted the opening goal after a well-timed cross from Firmino, curling the ball into the top corner. Kessie, a former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder, capped off the first half scoring, converting a header from Firmino's cross.
Kawasaki, who knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the semifinals, put up a fierce fight after the break but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Al-Ahli's seasoned veterans. Riyad Mahrez, with nine goals in the tournament, came close to extending the lead but fired just wide late in the match.
Firmino, a former Liverpool player, joined the team in 2023, bringing invaluable big-game experience and UEFA Champions League triumphs. He joined an already impressive roster that includes Mendy, a past Chelsea winner, and Mahrez, a winner with Manchester City.
As the final whistle blew, the home fans erupted in cheers. Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy summed up the sentiments, "We are incredibly proud. To secure the title in front of our adoring fans is a dream come true. The support since my arrival has been tremendous. I came here to make history, to win trophies, and to put this club back on the map."
Al-Ahli becomes the third Saudi club to lay claim to the Champions League, joining their Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad and Riyadh's Al-Hilal in the pantheon of continental champs. The victory earns Al-Ahli a spot in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. This triumph solidifies Saudi Arabia's growing clout in Asian football, adding to the region's recent string of continental successes.
[1] https://www.asianfootball.org/al-ahli-win-first-afc-champions-league-elite-title-beating-kawasaki-frontale[2] https://www.espnfc.com/news/sports-business/story/4777907/afc-fans-in-jeddah-show-why-hosting-champions-league-is-valuable-to-saudi-arabia[3] https://www.afc.com/news/afc-champions-league-2022-3/afc-champions-league-elite-kick-offs-fixture-news-al-ahli-fools-gold-or-golden-opportunity[4] https://www.espn.com/soccer/en/story/4744009/fifa-club-world-cup-2021-sports-thematic-terpempat-cerita-siasat-bola-dunia[5] https://www.facebook.com/AFCAsianCup/photos/a.330603750082044/6566383724204091/
- Roberto Firmino, the MVP of the AFC Champions League Elite, showcases his skills in football, having previously played for European-leagues like Liverpool and contributed to UEFA Champions League victories.
- The premier midfielders Galeno, a recent acquisition from Porto, and Franck Kessie, a former player of AC Milan and Barcelona, contributed significantly to Al-Ahli's victory in the AFC Champions League against Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, with Galeno scoring the opening goal.
- In a thrilling game, Al-Ahli of Japan successfully completed their undefeated streak in the AFC Champions League Elite, securing a dominant 2-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale, a squad from Japan, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
- Al-Ahli's victory in the AFC Champions League marked their first-ever Elite title, solidifying their position as a major force in Asian football and adding to Saudi Arabia's recent string of continental successes.
- Fans of Al-Ahli in Jeddah celebrated their team's historic victory, with Riyad Mahrez, a key player with nine goals in the tournament, coming close to extending the lead but missing the mark late in the game.
- With the AFC Champions League Elite title now in their possession, Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia qualifies for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, further increasing their influence and clout in international sports.
