Al Ahli secures back-to-back Asian Champions League crowns with victory over Machida Zelvia

In a thrilling finale to the AFC Champions League, Al-Ahli Saudi FC emerged victorious, defeating Japan's FC Machida Zelvia 1-0 in extra time at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on April 25, 2026.

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By doing so, Al-Ahli became the first club in over two decades to claim back-to-back Asian Champions League titles, having previously defeated Kawasaki Frontale to win their first continental crown 12 months ago.

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The decisive goal was scored by substitute Feras Al Buraikan in the 96th minute, in front of a crowd of 58,984 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, securing Al-Ahli's second consecutive title.

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Al-Ahli's triumph was all the more impressive given that they had been reduced to 10 men midway through the second half, after defender Zakaria Hawsawi was given a straight red card for violent conduct.

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Al Buraikan's goal ensured that Al-Ahli made history as the first team to successfully defend the Asian Champions League title since their city rivals Al Ittihad in 2005.

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The win also earns Al-Ahli a spot in the Fifa Intercontinental Cup later this year and the 2029 Fifa Club World Cup, following in the footsteps of English Premier League side Chelsea, who won the expanded competition last summer.

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For the second consecutive year, Jeddah hosted the eight-team centralized finals series of the competition, now rebranded as the Asian Champions League Elite.

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Al-Ahli had come close to taking the lead against tournament debutants Machida on 13 minutes, when Galeno, the standout player of the knockout stages, broke free of the Japanese defense.

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However, Galeno's shot was expertly saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani, denying Al-Ahli an early advantage.

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Three minutes before halftime, Al-Ahli defender Merih Demiral had an attempt blocked on the line, and his rebound shot hit the Machida crossbar, coming agonizingly close to scoring.

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The turning point of the match came on 68 minutes, when Hawsawi clashed with Machida forward Tete Yengi, resulting in a straight red card for the Al-Ahli defender.

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Machida, seeking to become the first club since 2014 to win the Asian Champions League at their first attempt, almost capitalized on their numerical advantage, but Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made crucial saves to deny Hiroyuki Mae and Yuki Soma.

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As tensions rose, Al-Ahli's Mohammed Abdulrahman was sent off from the substitute's bench, further complicating their task.

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Yet, Al-Ahli still managed to find a way through, with Riyad Mahrez floating a cross to the back post, Franck Kessie inadvertently cushioning the ball, and Al Buraikan poking home from close range six minutes into extra time.

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Notably, this goal marked the first time Machida had conceded in four knockout matches, ultimately proving decisive in the outcome of the game.

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Galeno had a late chance to add to Al-Ahli's lead after an Al-Ahli break, but lashed his shot over, though it mattered little as Matthias Jaissle's side held on to secure consecutive Asian titles.