AFC Champions League Elite
After having matched their star-studded opponents stride for stride, the Japanese side eventually succumbed in extra time to Feras Al Brikan’s strike as Al Ahli successfully retained their title.
#ACLElite | Final : Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-0 FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
“It was a completely away environment for us,” said Kuroda. “The players faced a lot of mental pressure and they tried not to get overwhelmed. The players played well and listened to the strategy.
“We had some opportunities but we could not hit the target, so it became a difficult match for us. We conceded because we didn’t pick up the loose balls. We tried to come back but couldn’t. We were near but yet still so far away.”
Al Ahli dominated the majority of possession but were held at bay by a disciplined Machida defence that kept seven clean sheets prior to the final.
“We had some opportunities but we could not hit the target, so it became a difficult match for us. We conceded because we didn’t pick up the loose balls. We tried to come back but couldn’t. We were near but yet still so far away.”
Al Ahli dominated the majority of possession but were held at bay by a disciplined Machida defence that kept seven clean sheets prior to the final.
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The advantage swung Machida’s way following Zakaria Hawsawi’s red card midway through the second half but despite a change in tactics, the inability to find the breakthrough was a let down for Kuroda.
“After they had one player sent off, they retreated into their half and focused more on defence. They used lots of high balls as well and used their height to their advantage.
“We knew they were exhausted so we tried to play in the middle more. But we could not hit the target as often as we wanted. Maybe it was a difference in skills.”
“After they had one player sent off, they retreated into their half and focused more on defence. They used lots of high balls as well and used their height to their advantage.
“We knew they were exhausted so we tried to play in the middle more. But we could not hit the target as often as we wanted. Maybe it was a difference in skills.”
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Despite the defeat, it was a monumental effort from Machida in their debut outing and one which the head coach intends to use as a springboard for the club’s progress.
“It’s a great achievement that we became finalists. Experience is of course important. We gained a lot reaching this stage of the competition, for us staff and the players. We will take this and look to step forward with this experience.
“We’re a newly promoted side to J1 League, so to be able to get here and participate in this match is a big honour. To the fans of Machida, their voices were heard, so we want to thank them.”
“It’s a great achievement that we became finalists. Experience is of course important. We gained a lot reaching this stage of the competition, for us staff and the players. We will take this and look to step forward with this experience.
“We’re a newly promoted side to J1 League, so to be able to get here and participate in this match is a big honour. To the fans of Machida, their voices were heard, so we want to thank them.”
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