Urawa Red Diamonds became the first Japanese side since Gamba Osaka in 2008 to lift the AFC Champions League after Rafael Silva’s strike gave them a 1-0 win over Al-Hilal in the second leg of their final in Saitama. Having drawn the first leg 1-1 in Riyadh, Silva’s goal gave the Japanese side a 2-1 win on aggregate, and their first continental crown since 2007.
The result was a disappointment for Al Hilal, who had also lost their 2014 final to Western Sydney Wanderers and were aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2000. A goalless draw would’ve done fine for Urawa, and Al Hilal, who needed a goal to keep the contest alive, had Salem Al-Dawsari sent off in the 78th minute of the game.
The match was also the first Asian Champions League final match up between a Japanese and a Saudi Arabian side- the last being the one between Jubilo and Al-Hilal back in 2000 (also the latter’s last continental crown)
Will Urawa Red Diamonds play in the 2018 Champions League?
Urawa defending their continental crown is NOT a given at this stage. The title holders do not automatically qualify for next season’s competition, and Urawa are way off a spot domestically. They are 7th in the table with 49 points, 11 behind third place Cerezo Osaka, who currently occupy the ACL playoff spot, with Kashima Antlers and Kawasaki Frontale looking likely to be the country’s representatives in the group stages of the tournament.