Japanese upstarts Machida Zelvia kept their dream alive on the grandest Asian stage, edging Shabab Al Ahli 1-0 to book a sensational place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Final.
In a semi-final defined by fine margins and VAR drama, it was Yuki Soma who delivered the decisive moment—continuing his influence in a campaign that is fast becoming one of Asia’s most captivating underdog stories.
Machida wasted no time stamping their authority. Just 12 minutes in, Soma capitalized on a costly defensive lapse from Bogdan Planic, intercepting an underhit backpass before calmly rounding goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbali and slotting home.
The goal stunned the UAE side and handed Machida the perfect platform to dictate the tempo early on.
Moments later, Soma nearly turned provider, whipping in a dangerous free-kick that caused chaos in the box, forcing Almeqbali into a sharp reflex save to deny Erik from close range.
Gradually, Shabab Al Ahli—guided by head coach Paulo Sousa—found their rhythm. Guilherme Bala tested Kosei Tani with a low drive, while Kauan Santos rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
The Emirates side thought they had a golden chance before halftime when Soma went down under pressure from Federico Cartabia, but Australian referee Shaun Evans overturned his penalty decision after a VAR review—one of several pivotal moments that shaped the contest.
The second half saw relentless pressure from Shabab Al Ahli. Bala came close again, while substitute Sultan Adil headed over from a promising position.
Their biggest moment arrived in the 64th minute when Bala appeared to have equalized from Yuri Cesar’s delivery—only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Even in stoppage time, drama refused to fade. Bala unleashed a stunning long-range strike that found the net, but celebrations were cut short once more after VAR intervened to disallow the goal.
Despite late scares, Machida held firm to seal a famous victory—one that sends them into a dream final against defending champions Al Ahli Saudi.
The Japanese side now stands on the brink of emulating Western Sydney Wanderers, who famously lifted the continental crown in their debut campaign back in 2014.
Credit Photo : AFC
