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Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli Saudi FC secured the AFC Champions League title after edging past Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in a tightly contested final, with Turkish international Merih Demiral playing a central role in the triumph.
The final, held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, remained deadlocked through regular time before being decided deep into extra time. The breakthrough came in the 96th minute, when Firas Albirakan found the net to hand Al-Ahli Saudi FC the decisive advantage.
The late goal brought an end to a match defined by cautious play and limited clear chances, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock until the closing stages.
Al-Ahli Saudi FC’s path to victory became more complicated in the second half when Hawsawi was sent off in the 68th minute for violent conduct, leaving the team with 10 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Saudi side managed to hold their structure and push the game into extra time, where they eventually capitalized on a decisive opportunity.
Merih Demiral started the final in the first eleven and remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, contributing to a disciplined defensive performance.
With this result, the Turkish defender secured his second consecutive AFC Champions League title with Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
Having also featured in last season’s final, Demiral had already become the first Turkish player to both reach and win the competition’s final, and this latest victory further reinforces that milestone.
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