In a historic moment for Saudi Arabian football, Al-Ahli clinched their first Asian Champions League title on Saturday, May 3, 2025, defeating Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The victory marks a significant milestone for Al-Ahli, who had previously been runners-up in 1986 and 2012 but never managed to secure the coveted trophy until now.
The match saw a fantastic performance from Brazilian winger Galeno, who opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a stunning shot from 25 yards that sailed into the top corner, leaving Frontale's goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi with no chance. Just seven minutes later, Franck Kessié doubled the lead with a powerful header from a precise cross by Roberto Firmino, solidifying Al-Ahli's dominance in the first half.
Al-Ahli's triumph not only grants them the prestigious Asian Champions League title but also secures their place in the upcoming Copa Intercontinental at the end of the year and the 2029 Club World Cup. The team, managed by Matthias Jaissle, completed the tournament unbeaten, showcasing their strength and resilience throughout the campaign.
"It’s a dream come true for us; we’ve worked so hard for this moment," said Kessié after the match. "We’ve shown that we can compete at the highest level, and this victory is just the beginning for us as a club."
Al-Ahli's journey to the final was marked by impressive performances, including a notable victory over Al Hilal in the semifinals, where Firmino scored in a 3-1 win. The Brazilian forward has been a key player for Al-Ahli, contributing significantly with six goals and five assists throughout the tournament. His leadership on the field was evident as he orchestrated plays and provided crucial assists, including the one leading to Kessié's goal in the final.
"Firmino is the heart of our team, both on and off the pitch," Jaissle remarked. "His experience and skill have been invaluable, and we are fortunate to have him leading us."
Despite their loss, Kawasaki Frontale made history by reaching their first-ever Asian Champions League final, having previously never advanced beyond the quarter-finals. They entered the match with high hopes after eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the semifinals, but they struggled to find their rhythm against a formidable Al-Ahli side.
As the match unfolded, Al-Ahli maintained a high level of pressure, dominating possession and creating more scoring opportunities. Ivan Toney, another summer signing, was instrumental in the attacking front, adding to the team's offensive prowess. The 62,000 fans in attendance witnessed an electrifying atmosphere, with Al-Ahli supporters creating a vibrant display of chants and banners throughout the game.
The game was not without its challenges for Al-Ahli, as they faced a disciplined Frontale defense led by Yuichi Maruyama and Kota Takai. However, the Saudi club's attacking depth proved too much for the Japanese side to handle, as they failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
In the second half, Al-Ahli continued to control the game, with Firmino and Mahrez both coming close to extending the lead. However, they were unable to find the back of the net again, as Frontale's defense tightened up in response to the mounting pressure. Frontale's best chance came late in the match when substitute Tatsuya Ito fired two shots just off target, but it was too little, too late.
With this victory, Al-Ahli becomes only the third Saudi club to win the Asian Champions League, joining the ranks of Al-Hilal, who are record four-time winners, and Al-Ittihad, who have claimed the title twice. The win not only highlights the growing strength of Saudi Arabian football but also underscores the significant investments made in the sport over the past decade.
As Al-Ahli celebrated their historic win, the focus now shifts to their next challenge in the Saudi Pro League, where they will face Al Taawon on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The team will look to carry their momentum from this victory into the domestic league as they aim for further success.
Meanwhile, Kawasaki Frontale will regroup and seek to bounce back in the Japanese Championship, facing the Kashima Antlers on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Despite the disappointment of the final, their journey to this point has shown promise and resilience, setting the stage for future successes.
As the football world reflects on this thrilling final, Al-Ahli's victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the potential for teams to rise to greatness. With key players like Firmino, Galeno, and Kessié leading the charge, the future looks bright for Al-Ahli as they continue their quest for glory on both the Asian and global stages.
