Saudi giants Al-Ahli etched their name firmly in Asian football history after defeating Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time at Jeddah‘s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday to become the first club in over two decades to successfully claim back-to-back Asian Champions League title.
Second-half substitute Firas Al-Buraikan struck in the 96th minute, sealing the victory for the Jeddah-based side.
This triumph follows their maiden continental crown last year, when Al-Ahli overcame Kawasaki Frontale to claim the trophy for the first time.
Al-Ahli’s latest success matched the historic achievement of city rivals Al-Ittihad, who last defended the title in 2005, also securing their place in both the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, the second edition of the expanded competition won by Chelsea last summer.
Red Card Shakes the Game
Midway through the second half, Al-Ahli’s hopes of victory were thrown into doubt when defender Zakaria Hawsawi received a straight red card for violent conduct. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Saudi side remained resolute, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy making crucial saves to deny Machida’s attempts to capitalize on their temporary man advantage.
As tensions rose, Al-Ahli saw Mohammed Abdulrahman dismissed from the substitutes’ bench, but the champions refused to surrender. In the sixth minute of extra time, Riyad Mahrez’s cross found Franck Kessié, whose unintended touch set up Al-Buraikan, who poked home the decisive goal.
This was Machida’s first conceded goal in four knockout matches, a testament to Al-Ahli’s defensive resolve.
For the second consecutive year, Jeddah hosted the eight-team finals of the rebranded Asian Champions League Elite. While Galeno had a final chance to salvage a draw, his effort sailed over the bar. Ultimately, Matthias Jaissle’s side held firm, securing back-to-back titles and etching their legacy as Saudi Arabia’s premier football powerhouse.
Al-Ahli’s triumph reinforces the Saudi Pro League’s rising status within global football’s competitive landscape.
