Al-Ahli crowned Asian champions for the first time
Al-Ahli have written their name in the history books as they become the champions of Asia, marking a historic moment for the third most successful club in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahli defeated Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to win the inaugural AFC Champions League Elite.
What is AFC Champions League Elite?
The 2024-25 season saw a new format in the UEFA Champions League. AFC also decided to bring a few changes to the format, and that led to the introduction of the AFC Champions League Elite. From 40 teams, the competition was reduced to 24 teams. These were divided into two groups of 12, with one being the East region and the other being the West region.
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16 teams qualify for the next stage and play in a two-legged match. After this stage, all matches were played in a single-leg format. Saudi Arabia was awarded the duties to host the final stages of the competition for the first couple of seasons.
Al-Ahli: Path to the final
Three teams from Saudi Arabia made it to the last four. This meant that two Saudi clubs had to face each other in the semis. Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli met in the first semi-final. Al-Nassr played against Kawasaki Frontale.
Al-Hilal were the favourites, but Al-Ahli had other plans. Their 37-year-old manager, Matthias Jaissle, outclassed the experienced Jorge Jesus. Roberto Firmino scored inside the opening 10 minutes, and Ivan Toney doubled the lead inside the first 30 minutes. Salem Al Dawsari brought his team into the game and the score was 2-1 in favour of Al-Ahli at half-time.
Al-Ahli got another advantage when Al-Hilal were reduced to 10 men for Koulibaly’s red card. Franck Kessie missed a penalty late in the match, but Firas Al-Braikan scored an all-important third goal to secure the match.
Kawasaki Frontale ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunt for a major title in Asia. Al-Nassr lost the match 3-2 and were punished for not finishing the chances that they created.
How Al-Ahli conquered the first continental title?
Al-Ahli were the favourites ahead of the final. They were up against Kawasaki Frontale, who were also eyeing their first continental cup. Saudi clubs have made a lot of investment on top-quality players over the years. This has strengthened the teams and made them powerhouses in Asia. Al-Ahli had a similar advantage against Frontale.
The line of Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy had already tasted continental success in Europe. This competition also allowed these teams to play nine foreign players and only two Saudi players. Wenderson Galeno opened the score in the 35th minute. The Brazilian curled the ball from outside the box in the top corner. Seven minutes later, Franck Kessie doubled the lead. Al-Ahli were composed at the back.
Edouard Mendy was not given a chance to make even one save in the match. The Saudi club outclassed their Japanese opponent and won their first AFC Champions League. Al Ahli gained promotion to the top division last year and conquered the continental championship in their second season at the top.
