AFC Champions League
Mohammed Abbas gave the Emiratis an early lead at Yokohama International Stadium before second-half strikes from Asahi Uenaka and Kota Watanabe meant the Marinos will take what could be a priceless lead to Al Ain for the second leg on May 25.
As the two teams now look ahead to the return meeting, the-AFC.com looks back at what some of those involved had to say about the first leg.
“I’m happy with the way we performed. We didn’t lose our discipline. I give my players credit, they worked hard throughout the entire game. They didn’t take their foot off the pedal.”
Harry Kewell praised his side’s resilience as Yokohama F. Marinos came back from a goal down to defeat Al Ain in the first leg of this season’s AFC Champions League Final in front of a crowd of over 53,000.
Harry Kewell praised his side’s resilience as Yokohama F. Marinos came back from a goal down to defeat Al Ain in the first leg of this season’s AFC Champions League Final in front of a crowd of over 53,000.
#ACL - Final (1st Leg) | Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 2 - 1 Al Ain FC (UAE)
"I am very confident because we will play at home, with our fans backing us. Today (Saturday) was not easy as their fans supported them. In two weeks, we will have that and we must take advantage."
Hernan Crespo has no doubt that his side will get the job done despite letting a one-goal lead slip in the first leg, as he now counts on the home support for the return leg at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Hernan Crespo has no doubt that his side will get the job done despite letting a one-goal lead slip in the first leg, as he now counts on the home support for the return leg at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
“It wasn't just the strength of the team, it was the atmosphere in the stadium, the fans who came to the stadium and the strength of the entire Marinos family that resulted in that goal in the end.”
Match winner Kota Watanabe stressed that the home support played a massive role in the team staging a comeback with the midfielder, who came on as a substitute, turning out to be the match winner after he diverted the ball into the roof of the net from close range for his second AFC Champions League goal of the campaign.
Match winner Kota Watanabe stressed that the home support played a massive role in the team staging a comeback with the midfielder, who came on as a substitute, turning out to be the match winner after he diverted the ball into the roof of the net from close range for his second AFC Champions League goal of the campaign.
“In the first half, we played very well and the second half was completely different. But, we have the second round at home. I believe in my team. We need to stay calm and confident. We play in our home with our fans and it’s completely different there.”
Al Ain’s Paraguayan star Alejandro “Kaku” Romero is confident that the second leg will be a completely different affair with the Emirati giants aiming to lift the prestigious continental trophy for the first time since 2003, having finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2016.
Al Ain’s Paraguayan star Alejandro “Kaku” Romero is confident that the second leg will be a completely different affair with the Emirati giants aiming to lift the prestigious continental trophy for the first time since 2003, having finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2016.
"One more to go. Let's conquer Asia! The atmosphere in the stadium gave me goosebumps. Thank you very much."
After Yokohama came from behind to win the first leg, scoring the winner after Keigo Sakakibara was brought off the bench, the midfielder took to social media to thank the fans for their support and urge his teammates to finish the job in the second leg.
After Yokohama came from behind to win the first leg, scoring the winner after Keigo Sakakibara was brought off the bench, the midfielder took to social media to thank the fans for their support and urge his teammates to finish the job in the second leg.
"25/5... ready to give my everything. The work never stops, the dream has no limits."
Scorer of the opening goal in the first leg, Al Ain midfielder Mohammed Abbas will do everything in his power to help his side win the second leg on home soil as he aims to achieve his dream of becoming an Asian champion.
Scorer of the opening goal in the first leg, Al Ain midfielder Mohammed Abbas will do everything in his power to help his side win the second leg on home soil as he aims to achieve his dream of becoming an Asian champion.
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