'Headbutt sends off, wins with 10 men': Al Ahli defeats Japan's Machida 1-0 to win ACLE title... 'Subdues' J-League team in finals for second consecutive year

*This content was translated by AI.

Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli has risen to the highest point on the Asian stage by defeating Japan's Machida Zelvia.

Al Ahli secured a 1-0 victory over Machida in extra time in the '2025-2026 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE)' final held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the 26th (Korea time).

Having claimed the title, Al Ahli secured a prize money of $10 million (approximately 14.8 billion won), a direct pass to the main league stage of next season's ACLE, and qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

The Japanese J-League missed the trophy in the finals for the second consecutive year, following Kawasaki Frontale's 0-2 loss to Al Ahli last season, as Machida also fell on this day.

Both teams held a scoreless draw in the first half. To break the 0-0 deadlock, Machida substituted in national team striker Na Sang-ho in the 17th minute of the second half in an attempt to score.

Machida seized the opportunity to lead the match advantageously by gaining a numerical advantage in the latter half of the second period. In the 32nd minute of the second half, Al Ahli defender Zakaria Hausawi received a direct red card for headbutting Machida attacker Tete Yengi during a confrontation.

However, no goal was scored during regular time, and the match proceeded to extra time. Despite the disadvantageous situation of playing with 10 men, Al Ahli did not lose focus. In the 6th minute of the first half of extra time, Firas Al-Buraikan scored the priceless winning goal.

Machida fought hard to equalize afterward but ultimately failed to score, and the match concluded with Al Ahli's victory.

Na Sang-ho played for approximately 58 minutes throughout extra time but managed only 12 touches and failed to record a single shot.

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*This content was translated by AI.