Al Ahli Clinch Historic Asian Champions League Title with 2-0 Win

Al Ahli secured their first-ever Asian Champions League title with a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale, thanks to Galeno's stunning strike and Franck Kessie's header.

Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy expressed his pride over the team's historic win, saying, “We are so proud. Once we knew the final eight would be played in Jeddah it was our goal to be champions in front of our fans. Since I came here 18 months ago they have supported us so much. As I said when I signed here, it's to make history, to continue to win trophies and make this club as big as it was before.”

The heavily favored Al Ahli team, bolstered by high-profile signings like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, dominated the match from the start. Despite their early pressure, they were denied twice by Kawasaki goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi within the opening six minutes, first blocking Ivan Toney's powerful shot and then a point-blank attempt from a Ziyad Al-Johani corner.

Kawasaki Frontale threatened to silence the home crowd in the 11th minute with Marcinho's impressive individual skill. The Brazilian winger beat Ali Majrashi and charged towards goal, but his shot sailed across the area and past the far post.

🏆 CHAMPIONS OF ASIA 🏆#AHLvKWF#ACLEliteFinal#الأهلي_كاواساكي#ملوك_آسيا pic.twitter.com/2N8qxI2MoE

— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) May 3, 2025

Al Ahli continued to press, with Ivan Toney firing wide and Roger Ibanez's curling effort from the edge of the area narrowly missing the target. Despite their dominance, it wasn't until the 35th minute that Al Ahli broke through. A turnover near the Kawasaki goal led to the opening goal.

Roberto Firmino set up the opening goal by feeding Galeno in space, who unleashed a perfectly weighted, curling right-foot strike into the top corner from 25 meters out. The attempt was unstoppable as midfielder So Kawahara's late challenge was too little, too late.

Al Ahli quickly added a second goal, capitalizing on Kawasaki's temporary vulnerability when left-back Sota Miura went off injured, leaving the Japanese side with a player short for a brief period.

Roberto Firmino played a key role in Al Ahli's second goal, bursting into the box and clipping a precise cross to Franck Kessie, who rose quickly to head the ball home.

Despite their best efforts, Kawasaki couldn't find a way back into the game. Substitute Sai van Wermeskerken headed wide, Tatsuya Ito shot just wide, and another effort from Ito was across the goal, while Ibanez blocked Shin Yamada's late attempt, securing Al Ahli's historic win in their third ACL final appearance.