“We’re really proud again to be in the final, back-to-back is something special and a huge honour and privilege,” said Matthias Jaissle after Al-Ahli secured their spot in the AFC Champions League final.
The match took place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 20, 2026. Vissel Kobe hosted Al-Ahli in this crucial semi-final. Vissel Kobe entered the match with momentum, having won their previous game against Al-Sadd on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Yoshinori Muto opened the scoring for Vissel Kobe in the 31st minute. His goal gave the Japanese team an early lead. However, Al-Ahli responded well. Galeno equalized for Al-Ahli in the 62nd minute, demonstrating their resilience.
Ivan Toney then scored the winning goal for Al-Ahli just eight minutes later, at the 70-minute mark. With that goal, Al-Ahli turned the tide of the game. They showcased their ability to capitalize on critical moments.
Both teams employed a similar strategy with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Vissel Kobe had covered the +0.75 line in 17 consecutive home games prior to this match. In contrast, Al-Ahli struggled recently away from home, failing to cover the -0.75 line in two consecutive games.
Jaissle acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “The game was not easy, as always in this stage, in a semi-final in this competition. Details decided the game.” His comments highlighted how closely contested matches can hinge on small details.
As defending champions, Al-Ahli aims to win back-to-back titles. Their performance against Vissel Kobe reaffirms their status as formidable contenders. The focus now shifts to their upcoming final.
Details remain unconfirmed about their next opponent and location for the final match. However, anticipation builds as fans await further announcements regarding this highly competitive tournament.
