FC Machida Zelvia suffered an agonising defeat in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Japan time), going down 1-0 to reigning champions Al Ahli Saudi FC after extra time.
Al Ahli had home advantage and were the first to threaten in the 13th minute at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Kosei Tani made a smart save in a one-on-one with Galeno.
FC Machida stood firm again at a goalmouth scramble three minutes before half time, as a combination of Tani, Yuta Nakayama, and Kotaro Hayashi managed to deny Valentin Atangana And Merih Demiral - the latter of whom ultimately stabbed the ball over the bar.
MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE side FC Machida were given hope when Al Ahli were reduced to 10 men after Zakaria Hawsawi received a straight red card for a head-butt on Tete Yengi in the 68th minute, and five minutes later Hiroyuki Mae saw a swerving shot from distance tipped behind by Edouard Mendy.
Mendy then saved again from Yuki Soma in the 81st minute, with Mae’s follow-up striking Yengi before going behind for a goal kick.
With neither side able to break the deadlock the game went to extra time, and within six minutes Al Ahli had the ball in the net.
Riyad Mahrez whipped a teasing cross to the back post from the right, and after Franck Kessie touched the ball back substitute Feras Al Brikan was on hand to rifle home.
FC Machida pushed for an equaliser and went close in the 103rd minute, but Henry Heroki Mochizuki couldn’t quite direct his header on target after a Soma cross to the back post.
Mendy then fumbled another Soma cross in the final minute of extra time, but Demiral was on hand to clear the ball to safety and ensure Al Ahli secured back-to-back titles.
Nevertheless, FC Machida can be proud of a terrific achievement on their debut in continental competition, and they are sure to come back stronger next time.
