Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale had a brilliant start in their AFC Champions League quarterfinal match against Al Sadd, with Erison scoring a beautiful goal from Inaga’s cross just four minutes into the game. However, their lead lasted only five minutes as Al Sadd equalized through a stunning strike by Akram Afif, assisted by Paulo Otávio.

With both teams playing open, attacking football, it was only a matter of time before another goal came. Kawasaki regained their lead in the 21st minute when Marcinho finished a precise pass from Yamamoto, chipping the ball over advancing Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.

Al Sadd came out with more urgency after halftime, with Otávio being their main attacking threat. Their relentless pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute when Giovani sped past his defender on the right wing and delivered a cross that Hassan Al-Haydos headed onto the crossbar, allowing Claudinho to score the equalizer and send the match into extra time.

The winning goal came in the 98th minute when a low pass from Guilherme was received by Yusuke Segawa, who quickly played it to Shin Yamada. Yamada then set up Wakizaka for a clinical finish past Barsham to secure Kawasaki’s place in the semifinals.

Kawasaki Frontale will now face Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in the semifinals, with the match scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time on April 30.