Al Ahli Clinches Consecutive Asian Champions League Titles with Narrow Victory Over Machida Zelvia

The reigning champions, who secured their first continental title against Kawasaki Frontale last year, successfully defended their crown thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute goal from substitute Firas Al Buraikan in front of 58,984 fans at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, home of the Saudi side.

Al Ahli faced a significant challenge when they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half after defender Zakaria Hawsawi received a straight red card for violent conduct.

Al Buraikan’s decisive goal ensured that Al Ahli became the first team to retain Asia’s top club trophy since local rivals Al Ittihad did so back in 2005.

The victory enables the Saudi Pro League outfit to qualify for both the Fifa Intercontinental Cup later this year and the 2029 Fifa Club World Cup, which was previously won by English Premier League champions Chelsea last summer.

For the second consecutive year, Jeddah hosted the eight-team centralised finals series of this competition, which was rebranded last year as the Asian Champions League Elite.

Al Ahli nearly found the back of the net early on against tournament newcomers Machida, with Galeno, the standout performer of the knockout rounds, breaking free of the Japanese defence on 13 minutes. However, his shot was expertly saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani.

Just three minutes before half-time, Al Ahli defender Merih Demiral had an effort cleared off the line before seeing his follow-up strike bounce off the crossbar.

Al Ahli’s quest for a second consecutive title encountered a setback on 68 minutes when Hawsawi was sent off for a headbutt on Machida forward Tete Yengi, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish the red card.

Machida, looking to be the first team to win the Asian Champions League on their debut since 2014, sought to exploit their numerical advantage quickly, but Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a fantastic save to deny Hiroyuki Mae’s long-range effort.

The former Chelsea keeper also kept out a shot from Yuki Soma, demonstrating his skill under pressure. Tensions ran high as Al Ahli’s Mohammed Abdulrahman was dismissed from the substitutes’ bench.

Despite these challenges, Al Ahli found their breakthrough. Six minutes into extra time, Riyad Mahrez delivered a cross to the back post, where Franck Kessie unintentionally deflected the ball perfectly for Al Buraikan, who slotted home from close range. This was the first goal conceded by Machida in four knockout rounds.

Galeno had a chance to extend the lead near the end following a break for Al Ahli, but he fired over. However, it proved inconsequential, as Matthias Jaissle’s side held firm to secure back-to-back Asian titles.