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AFC Champions League Elite
The win took Frontale into their first final and for Ito, who returned to the J.League this season for the first time in his senior career, the match carried extra meaning.
“It was a very tough game, but we played as a team,” said the 26-year-old Ito. “Now it’s just one more game, one more win, and we can become champions of Asia. We want to bring the title back to Japan.
“The first goal, I had actually simulated that type of shot during our training session yesterday. For the second goal, I saw a gap in their defensive organisation and reacted quickly.
“I’ve just returned from Germany, and this is my first time playing alongside Japanese teammates and under a Japanese manager. I’m really pleased with the experience.”
Ito’s career has taken him through Europe, with youth stints at Kashiwa Reysol followed by spells at Hamburger SV, Sint-Truiden and 1. FC Magdeburg before signing with Frontale earlier this season.
“This isn’t just important for our club, it means a lot for the J.League as well. It shows the level of Japanese football. Before the game, the manager told us we came here to change things and make history. I hope we can complete that mission in the next match."
“I was actually wondering if the starting 11 would be the same as in the quarter-final, so when I found out I was starting, I was really happy.
“Before we walked onto the pitch, the big name (Al Nassr) players were right next to me. It felt surreal, but I truly enjoyed the experience.”
Joining Ito in the spotlight was young defender Kota Takai, who played a key role in the backline against Al Nassr’s star-studded attack.
“We knew we were up against great players, but we have great team spirit and in the end, that helped us prevail against them,” said Takai, who is a product of the Frontale youth side.
“This win gives us a lot of confidence, and as a team, we want to continue fighting together and alongside each other.”
Takai is optimistic Frontale can build on their performance in the final against Al Ahli Saudi FC.
“There won’t be much time until the final but I’m sure that with each training session that we have until then we can still improve and hopefully, we can perform even better in the final.”
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