In a highly anticipated showdown on May 3, 2025, Kawasaki Frontale faced off against Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the final of the Asia Champions League Elite (ACLE) held in Jeddah. Despite their efforts, Kawasaki was unable to secure their first Asian title, succumbing to a 0-2 defeat.
Al-Ahli emerged victorious, claiming the inaugural ACLE championship title. The match saw Kawasaki Frontale struggle to make an impact, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the game. Al-Ahli’s goals came from Gareno in the 35th minute and Kessie just seven minutes later, effectively sealing the fate of the match before halftime.
Following the loss, the Japan Football Association (JFA) announced on May 4 the teams that will represent Japan in the upcoming 2025-26 ACLE and ACL2 tournaments. Vissel Kobe, the champions of the 2024 J1 League, along with second-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima and third-placed FC Machida Zelvia, are set to compete in the ACLE. Notably, this will mark FC Machida Zelvia's first participation in both the ACLE and ACL, a significant milestone for the club.
Gamba Osaka, who finished fourth in J1, will represent Japan in ACL2. Since Vissel Kobe also won the Emperor's Cup, the fourth-place team from J1 is granted entry into ACL2 as the next in line. The official confirmation of these teams will be finalized after the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) licensing meetings.
Despite their loss, Kawasaki Frontale's journey through the tournament has been commendable. They finished the group stage with a record of six wins and two losses, showcasing their strength throughout the competition. In the knockout rounds, they triumphed over Al-Sadd of Qatar with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the quarter-finals, followed by another nail-biting 3-2 win against Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals.
The runner-up finish in the ACLE has its financial rewards. Kawasaki Frontale will receive $4 million (approximately 580 million yen) for their second-place finish. Additionally, they earned $800,000 for participating in the group stage and $600,000 from their successful knockout stage matches, bringing their total earnings for the season to an impressive $6.6 million (approximately 957 million yen). This amount is more than three times the J1 League championship prize money of 300 million yen.
With the conclusion of the ACLE, the focus now shifts to the future. The JFA's announcement of the teams for the next season's tournaments raises excitement among fans and players alike. Vissel Kobe, having proven their mettle in domestic competitions, will look to make a significant impact on the Asian stage.
As for Kawasaki Frontale, the team will undoubtedly reflect on their performance in the ACLE final. Coach and players alike will analyze what went wrong in the decisive match against Al-Ahli. The defeat, while disappointing, provides a learning opportunity for the squad as they aim to build on their successes and failures in the upcoming seasons.
The rivalry between Japanese clubs and their counterparts in the Middle East continues to intensify, with teams like Al-Ahli investing heavily in star players, including former Brazil international Roberto Firmino and Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, who have significantly bolstered their roster. This trend is likely to challenge Japanese teams in future tournaments.
In summary, while Kawasaki Frontale's dream of an Asian title eludes them for now, their performance in the ACLE has laid a foundation for future success. With new opportunities on the horizon and the chance to build on their experiences, the team remains a formidable force in Japanese football.
