Overview

• Kawasaki Frontale, making their first-ever AFC Champions League Elite final appearance, face Al Ahli on Saturday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
• Al Ahli, playing in front of their home fans, boast a high-value squad featuring stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney.
• Kawasaki reached the final after a 3-2 upset over Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, fielding mostly domestic players and emphasizing tactical discipline over budgetary strength.
• Coach Shigetoshi Hasebe downplayed financial disparities, emphasizing that football is decided on the pitch, not by resources, as his team remains fully fit for the match.
• The winner will not only claim their first continental crown but also secure qualification for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.