Al Ain (foto: Getty Images)
Al Ain has emerged as the champion of the 2023/24 Asian Champions League.
In the final of the Asian Champions League, played over two legs, Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates faced Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos. Much of the discussion centered on the coaches of both finalists, who are big names in European football – Al Ain is led by legendary Argentine striker Hernan Crespo, while Yokohama is coached by former Liverpool and Leeds United star Harry Kewell.
In the first match, Yokohama won 2-1, but Al Ain triumphed 5-1 in the return leg, winning the Asian Champions League for the second time in their history.
Al Ain secured the title the hard way, having eliminated Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the earlier stages and later defeating Al Hilal, who set a world record for consecutive wins this season.
This marks Hernan Crespo's second continental trophy in his coaching career, as he previously sensationally won the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia, South America's second most prestigious club competition.
In next year's Club World Cup, Asia will be represented by Al Ain, Al Hilal, Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, and South Korea's Ulsan.