“We’re really proud again to be in the final, back-to-back is something special and a huge honour and privilege,” said Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle after his team’s victory over Vissel Kobe.
On April 20, 2026, Al Ahli defeated Vissel Kobe 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League Elite at Alinma Bank Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The match showcased intense competition and pivotal moments that shaped its outcome.
Yoshinori Muto opened the scoring for Vissel Kobe in the 31st minute. His goal gave the Japanese side an early lead. However, Al Ahli responded strongly. Galeno equalized for Al Ahli in the 62nd minute with a stunning strike from 25 yards out.
Ivan Toney then scored the winning goal for Al Ahli in the 70th minute. His precise finish sealed a hard-fought victory for the Saudi team. This win marks Al Ahli’s advancement to the final for a second consecutive year, a feat they aim to achieve since last winning back-to-back titles.
Al Ahli’s previous match was a 2-1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim. They entered this semi-final match with momentum and confidence. Both teams confirmed their lineups in a 4-2-3-1 formation, showcasing their tactical approaches.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Ali Majrashi’s injury status; he was unavailable for this match. Still, with key players like Edouard Mendy and Katsuya Nagato on their side, Al Ahli showed resilience throughout the game.
Next, Al Ahli will face either Shabab Al-Ahli or Machida Zelvia in the final. The anticipation builds as fans await this crucial matchup.