Al Ahli’s Triumphant Ascent to Asian Football Supremacy: A Historic Victory in Jeddah
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, bore witness to a historic moment in Asian football as Al Ahli clinched the coveted Asian Champions League title, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in a dominant display of skill and determination. This victory marked the culmination of a remarkable journey for Al Ahli, who had twice tasted the bitterness of defeat in the final, in 1986 and 2012. Their relentless pursuit of continental glory finally reached its apex, etching their name alongside the giants of Asian football. The victory also served as a testament to the club’s ambitious project, spearheaded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, transforming Al Ahli into a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
The match unfolded with Al Ahli asserting their dominance from the outset, launching a relentless assault on the Frontale defense. Early chances fell to Ivan Toney and Ziyad Al Hosani, testing the reflexes of Frontale goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi. While Marcinho offered a fleeting glimpse of Frontale’s attacking potential, Al Ahli’s constant pressure proved too overwhelming. Toney, Roger Ibanez, and Roberto Firmino all came close to breaking the deadlock, showcasing the team’s potent attacking arsenal. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Brazilian winger Galeno. Receiving a pass from Firmino, Galeno unleashed a stunning curling effort from 25 yards, leaving Yamaguchi with no chance and sending the home crowd into raptures.
The momentum firmly swung in Al Ahli’s favor, and they wasted no time in capitalizing on their advantage. Just three minutes before halftime, Firmino, demonstrating his exceptional playmaking abilities, delivered a pinpoint cross into the Frontale box. Franck Kessie, the Ivorian captain, rose majestically to meet the ball, powering a header past Yamaguchi to double Al Ahli’s lead. This crucial goal not only solidified their control over the match but also highlighted the synergy and understanding between Al Ahli’s star-studded lineup. The assist further cemented Firmino’s crucial role in the team’s campaign, placing him just one assist behind Riyad Mahrez in the tournament’s assist rankings.
The second half saw Al Ahli maintain their composure and control, repelling Frontale’s attempts to claw their way back into the game. Firmino and Mahrez continued to threaten the Frontale goal, while the Japanese side struggled to create any significant opportunities. Frontale substitute Tatsuya Ito offered a late surge of hope, but his efforts narrowly missed the target. As the final whistle blew, the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium erupted in celebration, marking Al Ahli’s historic triumph and their coronation as champions of Asia.
This victory held special significance for three Al Ahli players – Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy, and Riyad Mahrez – who achieved the rare feat of winning both the Asian Champions League and the UEFA Champions League. Their experience and pedigree, honed through triumphs with prestigious European clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, respectively, proved invaluable in guiding Al Ahli to continental glory. The $10 million prize money awarded to Al Ahli underscores the magnitude of their achievement and provides further impetus to their ambitious project of establishing themselves as a global football powerhouse.
Al Ahli’s unbeaten run throughout the 13 matches of the campaign, orchestrated by coach Matthias Jaissle, stands as a testament to their consistency, resilience, and tactical prowess. They navigated a challenging path to the final, overcoming formidable opponents along the way, culminating in a resounding victory against Kawasaki Frontale, who were making their first appearance in the final. This historic victory also marked a significant milestone for Saudi Arabian football, with Al Ahli becoming the third Saudi club to lift the Asian Champions League trophy, joining the illustrious company of four-time winners Al Hilal and two-time champions Al Ittihad. Al Ahli’s triumph serves as a powerful symbol of the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football on the global stage, and their continued investment and ambition promise to further elevate their standing in the world of football. The victory resonates beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, signifying a shift in the balance of power within Asian football and highlighting the emergence of new forces on the continental landscape.
This triumph also underscores the transformative impact of the Public Investment Fund’s involvement in Saudi Arabian football. The fund’s substantial investment in Al Ahli has enabled the club to attract world-class talent, bolster their infrastructure, and elevate their competitive standing. The acquisition of players like Firmino, Mendy, and Mahrez, along with other prominent signings, has not only enhanced Al Ahli’s on-field performance but also raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League, attracting global attention and increasing its competitiveness. The success of Al Ahli serves as a blueprint for other Saudi clubs seeking to establish themselves as major players in Asian and global football. The victory signifies a new era for Al Ahli and for Saudi Arabian football, marked by ambition, investment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
