Al-Ahli Claims First AFC Champions League Title, Defeats Kawasaki 2-0

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia clinched its first-ever AFC Champions League title with a 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah, marking a historic achievement after previous final defeats in 1986 and 2012. The team dominated the match, with first-half goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie, both assisted by Roberto Firmino, who was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Kawasaki, who had defeated Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the semifinals, struggled to create chances against Al-Ahli's experienced lineup, which also included Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Kessie. Mahrez made significant contributions during the tournament, finishing second in the scoring charts, while Mendy was recognized as Best Goalkeeper. Al-Ahli finished the campaign unbeaten, and the victory makes them the third Saudi club to win the Asian Champions League, joining Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal. The triumph was celebrated by a home crowd of 60,000 and marks Al-Ahli’s first major trophy since 2016.