Urawa Red Diamonds, a club from Japan. Successfully changed the situation to win this year’s championship. After beating Al-Hilal, a club from Saudi Arabia with a score of 1-0 in the 2022 AFC Champions League final, second leg at Saitama Stadium, Saitama.
In the 30th minute of the first half, Urawa defender Sakai’s cross entered the right side of the penalty area and forward Korogi reacted in the center of the goal. He tried to match with his right foot, but unfortunately it was deflected by the crossbar and it did not lead to the opening goal.
In the first half, Al Hilal again created a deciding opportunity. In the 42nd minute, MF Carrillo took a strong middle shot, but GK Nishikawa saved with one right hand. The defense, centered on GK Nishikawa, held on and turned the score 0-0.
In the 3rd minute of the second half, when DF Huybraten turned from the left to the center of the penalty area from the FK obtained near the center circle, he invited the opponent’s own goal and gave a valuable first goal. In the 31st minute, midfielder Ito shot a mid-range shot from outside the penalty area that grazed the left post, creating many chances from the counter.
Despite not being able to score additional points, they won 1-0 and achieved revenge against Al-Hilal who lost in the final of the 2019 tournament. GK Nishikawa made fine saves in rapid succession from the first half. He did not allow the opponent to score until the end, contributing to the crowning of the Asian title for the first time since the 2017 tournament. The team has won the championship for the third time, the most in history, since it became the current ACL.
In addition, Urawa has acquired the right to participate in the Club World Cup, which will be a new format (32-team system) from the summer of 2013. In the next ACL (scheduled to start in September 2023 and end in May 2024), Hiroshima, who was 3rd in J1 last season, will participate in the playoffs.
Credir Photo : AFC
