AFC Champions League Two
Al Nassr last savoured continental glory in the 1990s while Gamba won the 2008 AFC Champions League™, with both teams having enjoyed smooth passage into the decider at the King Saud University Stadium.
Al Nassr are on the verge of an AFC Champions League Two-Saudi Pro League double and head coach Jorge Jesus said his players are determined to deliver on both fronts.
“Al Nassr have been working hard for the past 11 months - since the start of the season - and we are ready to seize the two opportunities in front of us — tomorrow and in the final league match,” said Jesus.
“We will continue with the same determination, fighting spirit, responsibility and commitment we have shown over the past 11 months. The important thing is for us to stay focused so that we can win the title.”
“Al Nassr have been working hard for the past 11 months - since the start of the season - and we are ready to seize the two opportunities in front of us — tomorrow and in the final league match,” said Jesus.
“We will continue with the same determination, fighting spirit, responsibility and commitment we have shown over the past 11 months. The important thing is for us to stay focused so that we can win the title.”
Al Nassr, besides enjoying home ground advantage, will also have the psychological edge of having qualified for the final with a perfect record, cruising through the group stage with six wins, scoring 22 goals and conceding just two.
They had to work a little harder in the Round of 16, with Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag proving to be stubborn opponents but Jesus’ side prevailed 2-0 on aggregate before seeing off the challenges of UAE’s Al Wasl FC and Al Ahli SC of Qatar in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, which were played as single-leg affairs.
They had to work a little harder in the Round of 16, with Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag proving to be stubborn opponents but Jesus’ side prevailed 2-0 on aggregate before seeing off the challenges of UAE’s Al Wasl FC and Al Ahli SC of Qatar in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, which were played as single-leg affairs.
“This is a heavyweight match. It is an Asian title-deciding match, and no Saudi club has ever won this title before. I reiterate how important it is to win this competition for the first time in the history of Saudi clubs.
“We are ready to take on the challenge and face a strong team with good physical strength. We strongly believe in our abilities and are prepared for the challenge.”
“We are ready to take on the challenge and face a strong team with good physical strength. We strongly believe in our abilities and are prepared for the challenge.”
#ACLTwo - Preview: Final
While Al Nassr are one win away from the Saudi Pro League title, Gamba are lying third in Group B of the J1 League standings but head coach Jens Wissing has no doubt his players will produce their best on Saturday.
“It has been a long journey of hard work but we are well prepared. This is a historical moment for us and the club and we are ready. We have to focus on our job, not worry about other things. We have to win the title.
“We have observed Al Nassr’s past games to get an idea of their quality and we will have our plans on how to counter them,” said the German tactician.
“It has been a long journey of hard work but we are well prepared. This is a historical moment for us and the club and we are ready. We have to focus on our job, not worry about other things. We have to win the title.
“We have observed Al Nassr’s past games to get an idea of their quality and we will have our plans on how to counter them,” said the German tactician.
Gamba’s journey to the final was not as serene as Al Nassr’s but the Japanese side were always in control of their destiny.
They advanced to the Round of 16 with a perfect record of six wins in Group F, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two, setting up an encounter with FC Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic, with Gamba prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
The quarter-final against Ratchaburi FC was an equally challenging affair, with the tie ending 2-2 on aggregate. Welton Felipe emerged the Japanese side's hero with the winner in the ninth minute of extra-time.
Resilience was needed again in the semi-final, with Bangkok United securing a 1-0 away win but Gamba hit the ground running in the return leg to triumph 3-0 and book their ticket to the final.
They advanced to the Round of 16 with a perfect record of six wins in Group F, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two, setting up an encounter with FC Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic, with Gamba prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
The quarter-final against Ratchaburi FC was an equally challenging affair, with the tie ending 2-2 on aggregate. Welton Felipe emerged the Japanese side's hero with the winner in the ninth minute of extra-time.
Resilience was needed again in the semi-final, with Bangkok United securing a 1-0 away win but Gamba hit the ground running in the return leg to triumph 3-0 and book their ticket to the final.
Wissing expects the same focus and grit from his players in the final.
“I don’t think the (Al Nassr) fans will be a factor for my players.They are experienced and they will know how to stay focused. The guys are all in good condition and are ready to play this game.
“There is nothing to be afraid about. We will be up against outstanding quality on the pitch but we know what we have to do to win this game.”
“I don’t think the (Al Nassr) fans will be a factor for my players.They are experienced and they will know how to stay focused. The guys are all in good condition and are ready to play this game.
“There is nothing to be afraid about. We will be up against outstanding quality on the pitch but we know what we have to do to win this game.”
Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Gamba Osaka (JPN)
Venue: King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)
Kick-off: 20:45 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)
Kick-off: 20:45 (UTC+3)
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