Al Ahli beat Machida Zelvia to retain Asian Champions League title

Al Ahli clinched a second straight Asian Champions League title with a 1‑0 extra‑time victory over Machida Zelvia in Jeddah, becoming the first team in more than two decades to defend the trophy. The decisive moment came in the ninety‑sixth minute when Riyad Mahrez’s cross was flicked on by Franck Kessié and finished by Feras Al Buraikan, ending Machida’s flawless defensive run in the knockout rounds.

The Saudi champions had earlier been reduced to ten men after Zakaria Hawsawi received a straight red card for violent conduct, while substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman was later dismissed from the bench. Despite the setbacks, Al Ahli created the clearer chances, with Galeno denied brilliantly by Kosei Tani and Merih Demiral hitting the crossbar before half‑time.

The win secures Al Ahli’s qualification for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, sealing a historic title defence under Matthias Jaissle.