Al Ahli secured back-to-back Asian Champions League titles by defeating Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 after extra time in a closely contested final held on April 25 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The victory marked the first successful title defense in the tournament in more than 20 years, with Al Ahli becoming the first team since city rivals Al Ittihad in 2005 to retain the continental crown.

The Saudi Pro League side, who won their first continental championship last year against Kawasaki Frontale, claimed the trophy courtesy of a 96th-minute goal from substitute Feras al-Buraikan. The decisive strike came during a frenetic period with 58,984 spectators in attendance, as Al Ahli overcame the challenge of playing the last 22 minutes with 10 men following the sending off of defender Zakaria Hawsawi in the 68th minute. Hawsawi received a straight red card for violent conduct after an altercation with Machida forward Tete Yengi.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al Ahli’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a former Chelsea player and recent Africa Cup of Nations winner with Senegal, made several crucial saves, including stops against Hiroyuki Mae and Yuki Soma. The match saw rising tensions as a second red card was issued to Al Ahli’s Mohammed Abdulrahman, who was dismissed from the bench.

Machida Zelvia, making their tournament debut, came close to capitalizing on their extra-player advantage but were unable to break through the Saudi defense. Throughout the game, Al Ahli created multiple opportunities, with standout player Galeno firing a shot thwarted by Machida goalkeeper Kosei Tani early in the match. Merih Demiral also struck the post before halftime, denying the Saudi club an earlier lead.

In extra time, Riyad Mahrez delivered a cross that Franck Kessie unintentionally redirected, allowing Al Buraikan to score from close range. This was the first goal Machida conceded in four knockout stage matches. Although Galeno had a late chance to extend the lead, his effort went over the crossbar.

The victory grants Al Ahli qualification for the upcoming FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year as well as the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, the second edition of the expanded tournament last won by Chelsea. For the second consecutive year, Jeddah hosted the centralized finals series of the rebranded Asian Champions League Elite, featuring eight teams competing for Asia’s premier club football honor. Matthias Jaissle’s squad held firm to secure their second straight title in the continent’s top club competition.