Machida Zelvia coach Go Kuroda not worried about Al Ahli's household names

Machida are entering the continental tournament for the first time and have beaten the expectations to arrange a showdown against a squad boasting UEFA Champions League victors Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy along with England forward Ivan Toney.

"Regardless of the opponent we face, we are prepared to deliver the Machida Zelvia approach to football and compete without any reservations," Kuroda stated.

"Al Ahli possess a wealth of experience with numerous talented and adept players, so we recognise their strength.

"Naturally, we adhere to our distinctive style and have maintained it consistently. Our goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of our philosophy on this grand platform."

Machida, who competed in Japans second tier just last year in 2023, enter the decider with an impressive backline record, having kept clean sheets in their previous four competition fixtures.

The J-League team has previously overcome a high-profile Saudi Pro League club via their quarter-final triumph against Al-Ittihad, followed by a 1-0 semi-final victory over Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates.

Although Al Ahli enter as favourites for the encounter at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, their manager Matthias Jaissle admits the difficulty in penetrating the Japanese sides rearguard.

"Machida operate as a highly organised unit with exceptional commitment," remarked Jaissle, who aims to be the inaugural manager to secure consecutive crowns in the Asian Champions League period.

"Their defensive efforts involve maximum dedication from all on the field.

"Breaking through to score is challenging, as evidenced in the knockout rounds where they limited goals conceded throughout and just seven in 12 total outings. It highlights their solid organisation.

"This will prove a demanding fixture, though that is expected since otherwise they wouldnt have advanced to the final."

Al Ahli could potentially be missing Galeno following suggestions of an injury to the key winger during recent training sessions, yet Jaissle expects his full roster to be at his disposal.

"At present, it appears promising that most of the squad is available, both psychologically and in top condition," the German noted. "This match is unique and all desire participation.

"In these final preparations, everyone is pushing to reach peak physical and mental readiness. That is our demand for the team, ensuring full availability."