Al Ahli Saudi produced a dramatic second-half turnaround to defeat Vissel Kobe 2-1, booking their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Trailing at the break, the defending champions showed resilience and championship pedigree to keep their title defence alive — and move within one step of history.
The Japanese side started with confidence and discipline, and their breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute.
A cleverly worked set-piece saw Yuya Osako deliver a precise header across goal, allowing Yoshinori Muto to finish clinically past Edouard Mendy.
Michael Skibbe’s side nearly doubled their advantage early in the second half, but Daiju Sasaki struck the crossbar — a miss that would prove costly.
Led by coach Matthias Jaissle, Al Ahli emerged from the interval with renewed intensity.
Their equaliser came in the 62nd minute through Galeno, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that left Daiya Maekawa with no chance.
Momentum firmly shifted, and just eight minutes later, Ivan Toney delivered the decisive moment — calmly threading the ball through a crowded goalmouth to complete the comeback.
The victory keeps Al Ahli on course to become the first club since Al Ittihad Club in 2005 to successfully defend the continental crown.
They will now face either Machida Zelvia or Shabab Al Ahli in Saturday’s final, setting up a blockbuster showdown in Jeddah.
Credit Photo : AFC
