'Na Sang-ho on the verge of Asian title': Machida Zelvia's storm makes history with first ACL appearance and first final berth 'triumph'... Breaking through with '1-0 low-scoring football'

*This content was translated by AI.

Na Sang-ho (30)'s Machida Zelvia (Japan) has reached the final spot to challenge for the Asian title.

On the 22nd (Korea time), Machida defeated Al-Ahli (United Arab Emirates) 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the '2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE)' held at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Having secured a ticket to the Asian stage for the first time in its history by finishing third in the J-League in the 2024 season, Machida has now surged all the way to the final.

In this tournament, Machida has engaged in tight matches in every game, sequentially defeating Asian powerhouses. The team advanced through the East Asian regional league stage with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, finishing first (5 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss). Following a 1-0 aggregate victory over Gangwon FC in the round of 16, Machida then defeated Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) in the quarterfinals and Al-Ahli in the semifinals, winning both single-match encounters 1-0.

The hero of the decisive goal on this day was Yuki Soma. In the 12th minute of the first half, he seized an easy backpass from opposing defender Bogdan Planic and immediately struck the back of the net.

Korea's Na Sang-ho also came on in the 14th minute of the second half, replacing Eric, and worked tirelessly until the final whistle, contributing to the team's victory.

For Al-Ahli, the added time in the second half was painful. Guilherme Balaga appeared to equalize with a dramatic shot that struck the back of the net. However, the referee ruled the goal out, stating that the throw-in was taken before Machida's substitution was fully completed.

Machida's final opponent for the Asian title will be Al-Ahli, the 'defending champion' from Saudi Arabia. The final match will be held at the same venue at 1:15 a.m. on the 26th.

If Machida wins the championship, it will become the first J-League team to reach the Asian summit since Urawa Red Diamonds in the 2022 season, four years later.

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*This content was translated by AI.