Jeddah giants Al-Ahli etched their name in history Saturday, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to claim their first Asian Champions League title. The Saudi giants dominated at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, avenging final losses in 1986 and 2012.
Galeno and Kessie Deliver First-Half Masterclass
Brazilian winger Galeno ignited celebrations with a 25-yard stunner in the 35th minute. Franck Kessie then headed home Riyad Mahrez’s cross three minutes before halftime, sealing Frontale’s fate.
Roberto Firmino, Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy became the first players to win both Asian and European Champions League titles. Firmino notched seven assists this campaign, trailing only Mahrez (8) in the tournament.
Unbeaten Run Powers Al-Ahli’s Dominance
Matthias Jaissle’s squad cruised through 13 unbeaten matches, showcasing relentless form. Frontale, contesting their first final, failed to register a shot on target before halftime.
Al-Ahli now join Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad as Saudi Arabia’s Champions League winners. The PIF-owned club earns $10 million, cementing the kingdom’s rising football stature.
Firmino dazzled early, setting up Galeno’s opener before assisting Kessie’s header. Frontale’s Marcinho squandered their best chance, firing wide in the first half. Substitute Tatsuya Ito threatened late but missed twice.
Galeno’s €50 million winter arrival from Porto displaced Firmino in Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League squad. The Brazilian’s ACL heroics, however, justified the club’s record investment.
As fireworks lit Jeddah’s sky, Al-Ahli’s triumph marked another leap for Saudi football. The victory amplifies the nation’s ambition to dominate Asian and global stages.
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