Al Ahli narrowly defeat Machida Zelvia to secure consecutive Asian Champions League triumphs

The title holders, who a year earlier overcame Kawasaki Frontale for their initial continental success, kept hold of the prize with a 96th-minute strike from replacement Firas Al Buraikan before 58,984 spectators at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the Saudi club’s base.

Al Ahli dropped to 10 players during the latter part of the second half after Zakaria Hawsawi received a direct red card for violent behaviour.

Al Buraikan’s strike means Al Ahli become the initial side to retain Asia’s top club award since local opponents Al Ittihad in 2005.

This victory allows the Saudi Pro League outfit to enter both the Fifa Intercontinental Cup coming up later this year and the 2029 Fifa Club World Cup, the follow-up to the broadened event that English Premier League team Chelsea claimed last summer.

Jeddah hosted the eight-team condensed finals of the event for the second successive year, now known as the Asian Champions League Elite following last year’s change.

Al Ahli came close to an early lead versus first-time finalists Machida in the 13th minute, as Galeno, the top performer across the knockout rounds, broke clear of the Japanese backline. Still, the Brazilian’s effort was brilliantly stopped by keeper Kosei Tani.

Just before the interval, Al Ahli’s Merih Demiral saw his shot cleared off the line then his follow-up hit the Machida bar.

Al Ahli’s push for back-to-back crowns hit a setback at the 68th minute, with Hawsawi headbutting Machida attacker Tete Yengi, forcing the official to show the direct dismissal.

Machida, aiming to be the first team since 2014 to lift the Asian Champions League on their debut, nearly exploited the extra man straight away, but Al Ahli’s Edouard Mendy deflected Hiroyuki Mae’s long-range attempt.

The ex-Chelsea goalkeeper, who recently won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal before the title was revoked, also thwarted Yuki Soma.

With tensions rising, Al Ahli saw substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman dismissed from the bench.

Nevertheless, Al Ahli broke through. In the sixth minute of added time, Riyad Mahrez delivered a deep cross, Franck Kessie accidentally set it up, and Al Buraikan tapped in from near range. This marked the first goal Machida allowed in four knockout fixtures.

Galeno had a late opportunity on a counter but fired high. It made no difference, however, as Matthias Jaissle’s team clung on for successive Asian honours.