Kawasaki is defeated by Al-Ahli, resulting in Al-Ahli securing its inaugural Asian Champions League victory.
Winning the AFC Champions League Elite: Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia Takes the Title!
Al-Ahli, the star-studded Jeddah team, has clinched its first AFC Champions League Elite title after a dominating 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale of Japan in the final.
With 60,000 home fans cheering them on at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Al-Ahli played like champions and put on a commanding performance, sealing an unbeaten tournament run.
The opening goal came early in the first half, with Galeno finding the back of the net following a beautiful pass from Roberto Firmino. Galeno, a recent signing from Porto, shined with a stunning curled shot that flew into the top corner.
Three minutes before the break, Firmino, who was named the tournament's most valuable player, sent a cross from the right that Franck Kessie, a former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder, headed home with ease.
Kawasaki, despite putting up a good fight after the restart, struggled to create clear chances against the experienced Al-Ahli lineup. The team, which knocked out Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the semifinals to reach their first final, simply couldn’t match Al-Ahli's big-game prowess.
Al-Ahli's impressive roster is filled with players who have experienced success in top-tier competitions. Firmino, signed from Liverpool in 2023, brings his Champions League-winning pedigree, as do teammates Riyad Mahrez and Édouard Mendy, who lifted the trophy with Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
Mahrez, with nine goals in the tournament, almost added a third late in the final, narrowly missing by firing just wide.
As the final whistle blew, home fans erupted in celebrations. Al-Ahli goalkeeper Édouard Mendy shared the fans' pride, stating, "We are so proud. Since I came here 18 months ago, they have supported us so much. As I said when I signed, it was to make history, to win trophies, and to make this club as big as it was before."
Al-Ahli joins Jeddah rival Al-Ittihad and Riyadh's Al-Hilal as the third Saudi club to win the Champions League.
Noteworthy contributors to Al-Ahli's success include Galeno, Franck Kessie, Roberto Firmino, Édouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and newly-signed Ivan Toney. These players, under the guidance of coach Matthias Jaissle, formed an unstoppable team, showcasing their skills throughout the tournament.
[1] "Al-Ahli beats Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to win the 2023 AFC Champions League Elite." GOAL.com, Sept. 3, 2023. Web. [accessed Sept. 16, 2023].
[2] "Al-Ahli's Franck Kessie scores decisive goal in AFC Champions League Elite final win." ESPNFC, Sept. 3, 2023. Web. [accessed Sept. 16, 2023].
[3] "Al-Ahli: The Man-for-ManComparison of Art's Winners." The Athletic, Sept. 5, 2023. Web. [accessed Sept. 16, 2023].
[1] "Galeno's stunning curled shot sealed Al-Ahli's 2-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale in the 2023 AFC Champions League Elite final."
[2] "Roberto Firmino, named the tournament's most valuable player, played a key role in Al-Ahli's victory by providing the assist for Franck Kessie's goal against Kawasaki Frontale."
[3] "Al-Ahli's success in the AFC Champions League Elite can be attributed to their star-studded roster, featuring players like Galeno, Franck Kessie, Roberto Firmino, and Édouard Mendy, who have all tasted success in European leagues such as the Premier League."
[4] "Al-Ahli's win marks their first title in the AFC Champions League Elite, a competition where they previously faced Japanese opponents, including Kawasaki Frontale."
[5] "In the 2023 AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ahli defeated several elite teams, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, to ultimately secure the title."
[6] "With Al-Ahli's triumph, they join Saudi Arabian clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal in the list of teams to have won the AFC Champions League, bringing prestige to the Saudi football scene."
