Al Ahli came good at the third time of trying, emerging champions after twice having settled for runners-up finishes in the AFC Champions League/Asian Club Championship.

Al Ahli are the 25th team to reach the pinnacle of Asian club football and the first new champions since Japan's Kashima Antlers lifted the trophy in 2018.

Al Ahli are the third team from Saudi Arabia to win the AFC Champions League Elite/Asian Club Championship, after Al Hilal SFC (4 times) and Al Ittihad (twice).

While Ulsan HD were the last team from Korea Republic to emerge champions (2020), the East Asian nation's clubs still lead with 12 titles. Japanese teams have lifted the trophy eight times which sides from Saudi Arabia one behind.

Having advanced beyond the quarter-finals for the first time, there was no joy for Frontale as they became the fifth Japanese team to finish as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Elite/Asian Club Championship.

Al Ahli are the fifth team to win the continental title undefeated, after Al Ittihad in 2005, Urawa Red Diamonds in 2007, Gamba Osaka in 2008 and Ulsan HD in 2020.

Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Édouard Mendy are the first players to win both the AFC Champions League Elite and the UEFA Champions League. Firmino, named the tournament MVP, has been in such good form that he has contributed to 19 goals in his last 17 matches across all competitions for Al Ahli (9 goals, 10 assists).

Franck Kessie is the second Ivorian player to score in the AFC Champions League Elite final, after his compatriot Abdul-Kader Keita who did so with Qatar's Al Sadd SC in 2011.

Galeno's stunning strike paved the way for Al Ahli to end their wait for the title, with the winger's strike the 21st goal Brazilians have scored in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Finally, a bumper crowd of 58,281 watched the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, which was decked in green as Al Ahli's fans came out in full force to support their team. Frontale were not without support though as several hundred had made the long journey to cheer their side on.