Al Ahli are history-makers! The club recently won its first-ever AFC Champions League Elite, rejoicing in an extraordinary accomplishment in its storied path. This triumph realizes the team’s enduring dream. It further enshrines them into the annals of history by making them one of just a select few clubs to have achieved victories on both Euro and Asian soil. Match stars Roberto Firmino, Édouard Mendy, and Riyad Mahrez show their colors in the match. They have entered football history as the first players to earn continental glory in both worlds.
On Sunday, Al Ahli fought Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in a key match. The thrilling combat occurred on the hallowed ground of King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) kept the final eight teams of the AFC Champions League in one location. This decision provided Al Ahli with the wonderful chance to welcome the final to their home ground. The team came out on top with an impressive 2-0 victory, capping off an undefeated run for the squad in the entire tournament.
What an incredible accomplishment by Al Ahli for this year’s competition. As a result, they became the 25th different club, from 14 different countries, to be crowned champions of Asia in the tournament’s 43-year history. They further solidify their legacy as the third Saudi Arabian team to claim this illustrious title. Al Hilal and Al Ittihad blazed the trail before them.
The artist’s home youth team went on to take the championship! They even finished with the second most goals scored in the tournament, behind only Al Hilal. This outstanding effort is simply a testament to the depth of their roster and the genius behind their game plan. With this triumph, head coach Matthias Jaissle recorded his first piece of silverware since taking over the club.
Roberto Firmino, who won a European title with Liverpool in 2019, was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He expressed his pride in the victory, stating, “This is a special trophy for me. I want to be a legend here just like I was in Europe. The most important thing is that we kept our focus and played with heart.”
Édouard Mendy, recognized as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, contributed significantly to Al Ahli’s success. His work between the posts was just as key in them earning four clean sheets along the way.
Riyad Mahrez, who joined Al Ahli after a successful stint with Manchester City, echoed his teammates’ sentiments about their achievement. At the end of the tournament, he boldly stated, “We are the best team in Asia,” pointing to their dominance across the tournament. Mahrez touched on the importance of making home a fortress. He added, “Now, to have the opportunity to win the Champions League at home, with all our fans, it’s the best feeling.”
Al Ahli’s path to this historic win is all the more remarkable considering what they’ve been through in recent years. Only a year before, these players had been competing in the second division of Saudi Arabian football. The nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has made a huge splash in the league. Consequently, they are today the owners of four clubs.
Despite that historic victory, Al Ahli had a difficult season at home. In their debut season, they finished third in the Saudi Pro League. They were unexpectedly knocked out of the King’s Cup by Abha earlier this 2023-24 season. Despite their continental success, many fans have tide over their achieved hopes of future continental success.
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