Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia and Kawasaki Frontale of Japan clashed in the AFC Champions League Elite final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Matthias Jaissle’s Al-Ahli, backed by their passionate home crowd, started aggressively, seeking their first-ever continental trophy. Meanwhile, Japan’s surprise package Kawasaki Frontale entered the match with high motivation, aiming to defy the odds in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ahli’s path to the final was challenging. They defeated Al-Rayyan of Qatar in the Round of 16, Buriram United of Thailand in the quarterfinals, and then overcame powerhouse Al-Hilal 3-1 in a tense semifinal.

Kawasaki Frontale also impressed, finishing second in their group before overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Shanghai Shenhua with a 4-0 second-leg victory. They then eliminated Al-Sadd of Qatar and Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, both 3-2, to reach the final.

Despite lacking star players and big budgets, Kawasaki earned widespread admiration. Now they aimed to make history in front of nearly 70,000 Saudi fans supporting Al-Ahli, but the Japanese side remained fearless in pursuit of their first Asian title.

Al-Ahli Starting XI:
Edouard Mendy, Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibañez, Ezgjan Alioski, Franck Kessié, Ziyad Al-Johani, Riyad Mahrez, Galeno, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney
Manager: Matthias Jaissle

Kawasaki Frontale Starting XI:
Luis Yamaguchi, Asahi Sasaki, Kota Takai, Yuichi Maruyama, Sota Miura, So Kawahara, Yuki Yamamoto, Marcinho, Ya Suto Wakizaka, Akihiro Ienaga, Erison
Manager: Shigetoshi Hasebe

Match Highlights:
Al-Ahli 1-0 Kawasaki (35′ Galeno): Roberto Firmino found Galeno outside the box, and the Brazilian winger scored with a spectacular volley into the top corner.

Al-Ahli 2-0 Kawasaki (42′ Franck Kessié): Another assist from Firmino, whose perfect cross from the right was headed home by Kessié to double the lead.

Key Moments:
5′: Kessié’s cross found Toney, whose powerful shot was parried by Yamaguchi.
6′: Al-Ahli wasted another chance from the resulting corner.
11′: Kawasaki’s first real chance as Marcinho’s shot went just wide.
17′: Toney’s shot hit the side netting.
18′: Ibañez’s long-range effort went just wide.
22′: Galeno’s weak shot easily saved.
33′: Firmino’s shot comfortably held by Yamaguchi.

Match Context:

* Over 60,000 fans packed the stadium, mostly supporting Al-Ahli in their home venue.

* A smaller contingent of Japanese fans were also present.

* The AFC Champions League Elite trophy was displayed before kickoff.

* Al-Ahli fans created an electric atmosphere, hoping for their first Asian title.