Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates emerged victorious in the Asian Champions League final, overturning a first-leg loss to clinch the title in a thrilling encounter against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. The home side put on a stellar performance in front of over 20,000 fans at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, securing a 5-1 victory in the second leg and a 6-3 win on aggregate.
The match was a showcase of skill and determination, with Al-Ain’s players delivering a fantastic performance under the guidance of their coach, former AC Milan, Inter, and Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo. The team took the game to Yokohama from the start, with tournament top scorer Soufiane Rahimi opening the scoring early on and Argentine forward Kaku converting a penalty to put Al-Ain ahead.
Despite Yokohama’s efforts to claw their way back into the game, Al-Ain maintained their lead, with Rahimi scoring his 13th goal of the tournament in the second half. Togolese forward Kodjo Laba sealed the victory with two late goals, putting the outcome beyond reach for the Japanese club.
Speaking after the match, Crespo expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “It was a fantastic performance from the players. We worked hard from the start and then we got a great reward. This is a great night for the club.” The win not only secured the Asian Champions League title for Al-Ain but also earned them a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, where they will have the opportunity to test themselves against the best teams in the world.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Al-Ain, who had previously lost two finals since their last title win in 2003. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display as they fought back from a first-leg deficit to claim the championship in front of their home fans.
With this win, Al-Ain has cemented their status as a powerhouse in Asian football and will now set their sights on further success in the Club World Cup. The team’s performance in the final was a testament to their skill and teamwork, and they will undoubtedly be looking to build on this success in the future.
Overall, the Asian Champions League final was a thrilling and memorable match that showcased the best of Asian football. Al-Ain’s victory will go down in history as a testament to their talent and determination, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their future performances on the international stage.