AFC Champions League
The Japanese side had a narrow advantage following a 2-1 triumph in Yokohama, but a sensational second leg performance in Al Ain meant the inaugural winners of the AFC Champions League lifted their second title after a 21-year wait.
As the 2023/24 edition concludes, the-AFC.com reviews what some of those involved had to say about the competition’s finale.
"It is very difficult to describe. We are very proud with this title because we represented not only the club but also the country. We deserve the title. Every time, we were underdogs - in the quarter-finals, semi-finals - but I believed and every time, the players did it."
Al Ain coach Hernan Crespo struggled to keep his emotions in check after his side repeatedly defied the odds to lift the AFC Champions League title for the second time in their history.
Al Ain coach Hernan Crespo struggled to keep his emotions in check after his side repeatedly defied the odds to lift the AFC Champions League title for the second time in their history.
"Congratulations to Al Ain, they are deserving winners but for us, the penalty changed the game. We got back into the game, then we got the red card and that changed things again. We worked extremely hard to get to this point and it hurts, it really hurts but will use the defeat as fuel and make sure it never happens again.”
Yokohama head coach Harry Kewell hailed Asia’s new club champions but rued the penalty awarded against his team which he believed was the match’s turning point.
Yokohama head coach Harry Kewell hailed Asia’s new club champions but rued the penalty awarded against his team which he believed was the match’s turning point.
“I remember when I signed with Al Ain and the first message was the priority of the club was to win the title. We competed with determination, even when results elsewhere were going against us. We remained focused and I congratulate my teammates, officials and all those who supported us.”
The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer Soufiane Rahimi said he was proud to have played a role in Al Ain winning the AFC Champions League title for a second time.
The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer Soufiane Rahimi said he was proud to have played a role in Al Ain winning the AFC Champions League title for a second time.
“We have come so far in the tournament, overcoming many difficult matches to get to the final. It was a competition where we all worked together to get to this point. But unfortunately, things were difficult today and we ended up with a disappointing result.”
Yokohama’s Brazilian forward Yan Matheus praised the efforts of his team in going all the way to the final, but lamented a bittersweet conclusion to the campaign.
Yokohama’s Brazilian forward Yan Matheus praised the efforts of his team in going all the way to the final, but lamented a bittersweet conclusion to the campaign.
“We were so grateful to have so many fans and supporters come all the way to the UAE and give us the best support. I am truly sorry that we were unable to produce results. The cheers of the fans and supporters and those who watched the live broadcast definitely reached us.”
Yokohama defender Ken Matsubara praised the support of the team's fans; both those who travelled in numbers to Al Ain and those watching late in the night at home in Japan.
“One day I thought it, one day I dreamed it and today I can say I did it. Being able to live this moment with my children, is one of the best things that happened in my life, there are no words to describe this beautiful craziness. We made history for life – champions of Asia!”
Al Ain forward Alejandro “Kaku” Romero was ecstatic at fulfilling his dreams by becoming a continental champion.
Al Ain forward Alejandro “Kaku” Romero was ecstatic at fulfilling his dreams by becoming a continental champion.
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