Al-Ahli retained the Asian Champions League title this Saturday (25) by beating Machida Zelvia 1-0, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, in Jeddah.
With one player less, the Saudi team secured victory with a goal from Feras Al-Brikan in extra time.
The team led by Matthias Jaissle became the second to defend the title in the 2005 era, after Al-Ittihad in 2005. Full-back Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off in the 68th minute.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Al-Ahli held on to a draw in regular time and took the game to extra time. The goal came after a cross from Riyad Mahrez, a deflection from Franck Kessie and a finish from Al-Brikan.
The final was played in front of the home crowd, as Jeddah hosted the final stage of the competition for the second year in a row. The audience was around 59 thousand people.
See how it was
Machida was in danger in the first half, highlighted by Kosei Tani’s save from Galeno’s shot. Next, Daihachi Okamura avoided Ivan Toney’s rebound.
Before the break, Merih Demiral hit the crossbar after Galeno’s cross.
Hawsawi’s expulsion occurred after a play with Tete Yengi. With one more, the Japanese team pressed and stopped in defenses from Edouard Mendy, who prevented goals from Hiroyuki Mae and Yuki Soma.
Even under pressure, Al-Ahli found the decisive factor in extra time and confirmed their second title.
