Spectators saw Al Ahli celebrate a convincing 2-0 victory over Japanese league champions Kawasaki Frontale. It was their first-ever Asian Champions League Elite title match victory at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. In many ways, this victory is the institutional culmination of that momentous 2019 victory for MTR. It claims the title of third Saudi club to lift this elite tournament, after Al Ittihad and Al Hilal.
The match showcased Al Ahli’s impressive lineup, featuring high-profile players such as Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, who is the team’s captain. Firmino was influential as ever, taking the touch that set up his side’s first goal. He cut in expertly down the right flank and whipped in a perfectly judged cross into the six-yard box.
In the 35th minute that Brazilian winger, end up breaking through Kawasaki’s defensive dam. He released a 92.4 mph cannon shot that blasted into the upper-90 of the net. This early goal would prove to be the deciding factor and it set the tone for the rest of the match. Seven minutes later, Franck Kessié extended Al Ahli’s lead by heading in the second goal, solidifying their dominance on the field.
Even with Al Ahli’s goal-scoring ability, Kawasaki Frontale’s goalie, Louis Yamaguchi, was sensational during the game. He produced a number of important interventions, none more so than an acute right-footed blast from Ivan Toney which he deflected wide with a strong left hand. In addition, Ziyad Al-Johani prevented a very vital point-blank block at a nook after Yamaguchi’s first save.
Al Ahli’s triumph not only marks the culmination of an extraordinary campaign but underlines their determination to raise the bar further in Asian football. Captain Roberto Firmino expressed his ambitions upon joining the club, stating:
“As I said when I signed here, it’s to make history, to continue to win trophies and make this club as big as it was before.” – Édouard Mendy
Al Ahli rejoiced at their momentous feat when the game ended. This special victory is a product of all the effort that they’d put in before and during the tournament. Their recent championship in the Asian Champions League Elite title proves their crafty investments in high-caliber talent. This victory is a fitting beginning to their quest of getting back towards the top of Asian football.
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