Latest news with #AFCChampionsLeagueEliteFinalsJeddah2025
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Ahli SFC's title is for fans: Jaissle
Agencies Jeddah Matthias Jaissle paid equal tribute to the fans after Al Ahli Saudi FC were crowned AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 winners following a 2-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday. While Jaissle hailed his players for maintaining the high standards they have set throughout the campaign with another impressive display in the final, he was immensely thankful to the support from the stands as over 58,000 packed the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. 'I'm so proud of the players for how they were doing, how they were performing, how the journey went in this competition,' said Jaissle. 'Also the fans who created an amazing atmosphere, which we never take for granted. Together we can achieve special things and that was tonight. It's nice to give something back to the supporters.' The title of Asian champions has come just three years after Al Ahli were relegated from the Saudi Pro League, which Jaissle said made their triumph even more deserving. 'It's been a crazy journey. Not that long ago, it looked completely different. Incredible how much support they (the fans) bring to the club and the guys delivered today to bring something back that they deserve.' Unlike their previous two AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025 matches where they took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Al Ahli actually had a fight on their hands against Japan's Frontale before Galeno's 35th minute wonder strike settled their nerves. With their confidence boosted, Al Ahli began to play free-flowing football with Franck Kessie doubling their advantage before the break with the Saudi Pro League then opting for a controlled display in the second half. Admitting that there was immense pressure on the team after they qualified for the final, Jaissle tipped his hat to the incredible character of his players. 'The opponents caused us difficulties, they were well organised but overall we fully deserved it. It's never easy. There's a lot of pressure in such a match and you need to deal with it. 'Even more proud how the players dealt with it. This is not normal and the players showed great personality. In the second half, we defended and we wanted to keep the clean sheet and we managed that in the end.'
Hans India
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
This is special because it gives us chance to be legends: Firmino on Al Ahli's maiden Asia triumph
Roberto Firmino was seen crying after he created history with his man of the match performance, which helped Al Ahli Saudi FC win the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 title on Saturday. It was the famous club's first continental title and the Brazilian was ecstatic to have played his part in adding a new chapter to the club's glorious history. 'I'm very happy and very proud of the team. Happy to make history here and able to repay the support of the club, family and friends. I'm very grateful and I feel privileged to be given this talent and opportunity. I always do my best to help my teammates and my team. This title is very special because we have never won it, the chance to win and be legends," said Firminho. Firmino, who was also named tournament's Most Valuable Player, had already accumulated six goals and five assists before the final and rose to the occasion yet again in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025. The 33-year-old laid the pass for Galeno to curl the ball into the top corner in the 35th minute before producing a pinpoint cross seven minutes later for Franck Kessie to nod home. Having previously won the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19 with England's Liverpool, Firmino knew exactly when it was his turn to win the Asian equivalent. "For me, it was the semi-final against Al Hilal (SFC) when (Kalidou) Koulibaly got sent off, I had a feeling then that we could win. We believed and we did a great job. This title win shows us to have a monster mentality. We always believed we could be champions and we have done it," he added.
Saudi Gazette
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ahli clinch historic first AFC Elite title
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli finally got their hands on the elusive continental crown, defeating Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 on Saturday to win the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025 in front of a rapturous home crowd of over 58,000 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. First-half goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie sealed a dominant performance and capped a flawless tournament run for the Saudi side, who ended the campaign unbeaten with 12 wins and one draw. It marks Al Ahli's first-ever Asian club title, ending years of frustration after two previous final defeats. Galeno opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a moment of brilliance, curling a shot from outside the box over a diving Louis Yamaguchi after a slick assist from Roberto Firmino. Minutes later, Firmino turned provider again with a perfect cross that allowed Kessie to head home Al Ahli's second and effectively kill off the game before Frontale, playing in their first continental final, were left chasing shadows for much of the they pushed hard after the break, their attacks were blunted by Al Ahli's rock-solid backline and composed game result is a landmark moment in Al Ahli's history, securing their maiden continental title and completing a statement season on the Asian coach Matthias Jaissle's side showed flair, discipline, and resilience throughout the tournament — a blend that now sees them crowned kings of Asia.
Gulf Insider
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
Al Ahli Eye Maiden Continental Crown In Historic AFC Champions League Elite Final
Al Ahli Saudi FC stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025, with both sides vying to lift their first-ever continental title at Al Inma Bank Stadium on Saturday. Backed by an unbeaten campaign and the energy of their home crowd, Al Ahli's dream is within touching distance. It's their second appearance in the final — and the most meaningful yet — as the club chases long-awaited glory in front of its passionate Jeddah faithful. Head coach Matthias Jaissle, who has led the team to 11 wins and one draw in 12 matches, knows the significance of the occasion. 'From dreaming of playing the first match to reaching the final at home in front of our fans, it's been a special journey,' said Jaissle. 'I'm incredibly proud to coach this team and represent these fans. Tomorrow's atmosphere will be electric. Our supporters can give us that extra push, and we'll give everything to deliver the result they deserve.' Al Ahli's route to the final has been commanding. They dispatched Thailand's Buriram United 3-0 in the quarter-finals before producing a dazzling 3-1 performance to eliminate four-time continental champions Al Hilal in the semi-finals. With Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Galeno all delivering on the biggest nights, Al Ahli have emerged as a cohesive, dangerous unit that blends international experience with homegrown hunger. But standing in their way are a spirited and tactically sharp Kawasaki Frontale, making their first-ever appearance in a continental final. The Japanese side have built serious momentum with consecutive 3-2 wins over Al Sadd and Al Nassr in the knockout rounds. Frontale head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe is under no illusions about the challenge but insists his team is ready. 'It's a big time now to become champions. Tomorrow the target is clear – to win the title,' said Hasebe. 'Even before we played Al Sadd, I believed we would reach the final. Now it's time to finish the job.' Kawasaki's blend of youth and experience, showcased through standout performers like Yuto Ozeki, Erison, and veteran playmaker Akihiro Ienaga, makes them formidable opponents. Jaissle, while confident, respects what Frontale bring. 'We respect Kawasaki's quality, offensively and defensively. It's not just about one player – every one of them can make a difference. The best teams reach the final. Let's see if we can surprise them too.' Saturday's final promises fireworks, intensity and high drama. For Al Ahli, it's a chance to etch their name into Asian football history.
Saudi Gazette
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ahli eye maiden continental crown in historic AFC Champions League Elite final
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli Saudi FC stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025, with both sides vying to lift their first-ever continental title at Al Inma Bank Stadium on Saturday. Backed by an unbeaten campaign and the energy of their home crowd, Al Ahli's dream is within touching distance. It's their second appearance in the final — and the most meaningful yet — as the club chases long-awaited glory in front of its passionate Jeddah faithful. Head coach Matthias Jaissle, who has led the team to 11 wins and one draw in 12 matches, knows the significance of the occasion. 'From dreaming of playing the first match to reaching the final at home in front of our fans, it's been a special journey,' said Jaissle. 'I'm incredibly proud to coach this team and represent these fans. Tomorrow's atmosphere will be electric. Our supporters can give us that extra push, and we'll give everything to deliver the result they deserve.' Al Ahli's route to the final has been commanding. They dispatched Thailand's Buriram United 3-0 in the quarter-finals before producing a dazzling 3-1 performance to eliminate four-time continental champions Al Hilal in the semi-finals. With Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Galeno all delivering on the biggest nights, Al Ahli have emerged as a cohesive, dangerous unit that blends international experience with homegrown hunger. But standing in their way are a spirited and tactically sharp Kawasaki Frontale, making their first-ever appearance in a continental final. The Japanese side have built serious momentum with consecutive 3-2 wins over Al Sadd and Al Nassr in the knockout rounds. Frontale head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe is under no illusions about the challenge but insists his team is ready. 'It's a big time now to become champions. Tomorrow the target is clear – to win the title,' said Hasebe. 'Even before we played Al Sadd, I believed we would reach the final. Now it's time to finish the job.' Kawasaki's blend of youth and experience, showcased through standout performers like Yuto Ozeki, Erison, and veteran playmaker Akihiro Ienaga, makes them formidable opponents. Jaissle, while confident, respects what Frontale bring. 'We respect Kawasaki's quality, offensively and defensively. It's not just about one player – every one of them can make a difference. The best teams reach the final. Let's see if we can surprise them too.' Saturday's final promises fireworks, intensity and high drama. For Al Ahli, it's a chance to etch their name into Asian football history.
