Firmino, Mahrez, Toni, and Others Celebrate as Al-Ahly Wins Their First-Ever Champions League Title
Firmino and his teammates celebrate with the trophy for Asia’s top team, Photo: Reuters
Initially, when the “madness” of Saudi football began, it revolved around Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nasr. However, Al-Ahli made strategic moves, recruited top players, and secured its inaugural Asian championship title.
The club, sporting talents like Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Galen, Ivan Toni, Franco Kessie, and goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy, emerged victorious in the Asian Champions League.
In their home city of Jeddah, they triumphed 2-0 against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, with goals scored by Galen, a former Porto player, and Kessie, previously of Milan and Barcelona.
Galen’s striking shot was particularly impressive. It set the tone for a memorable evening at the bustling King Abdullah Stadium, while Kessie found the net following an excellent cross from Firmino.
In the end, Firmino had the honor of lifting the trophy as captain, showcasing his talents that have dazzled fans during his time at Liverpool, and he was also named the tournament’s best player.
This season saw changes in the Champions League, with top teams competing in an elite division, and all matches after the quarter-finals hosted in Jeddah.
Alongside Kawasaki, Al-Ahli also defeated Buriram United and Saudi rivals Al-Hilal to clinch the title; Kawasaki advanced to the finals after besting Al-Sadd and Ronaldo’s Al-Nasr.
With this victory, Al-Ahli became the third Saudi club to win the Champions League, following Al-Hilal’s four titles and Al-Ittihad’s two.
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