Goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie gave Al-Ahli Saudi their first AFC Champions League Elite title against a determined Kawasaki Frontale, in front of their delirious support at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Roberto Firmino, once of Liverpool, provided both assists as Al-Ahli emulated their crosstown rivals Al-Ittihad (two-time winners) and Al-Hilal (four titles) by bringing the trophy to Saudi Arabia. Kawasaki shaded possession but barely threatened Edouard Mendy in the Al-Ahli goal, and the home fans were celebrating long before the final whistle.
Ivan Toney and Ziyad Aljohani had already stung Louis Yamaguchi’s palms with shots in the early stages, but there was little the Japanese goalkeeper could do with Al-Ahli’s opener. After Firmino slid the ball through to him, Galeno – once of FC Porto – struck the ball with a bit of bend high into the far corner. Two keepers wouldn’t have been to stop it.
That was in the 35th minute. Then, with Sota Miura off the field being treated for an ankle injury that would force Kawasaki to substitute him, Firmino escaped down the right flank that he would have been guarding and send in a perfect cross that Kessie bundled home. That was effectively that.
The Japanese side never stopped running, but the gulf in quality was obvious. That Al-Ahli could bring on Gabri Veiga – once one of LaLiga’s most coveted youngsters – as a late substitute just illustrated the resources now at the disposal of the leading Saudi clubs.
For Al-Ahli, who lost the 1985-85 final to Daewoo Royals (now Busan IPark) and the 2012 summit clash to another Korean side, Ulsan Hyundai, this really was third time lucky.
Eyes on the best fans in the world 👀 #AHLvKWF#ACLEliteFinal pic.twitter.com/Jslb4hwUgD
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) May 3, 2025