Mahrez Vows to Deliver Al Ahli’s First Asian Champions League Title

Riyad Mahrez has declared that Al Ahli will “fight for every second” as they attempt to win their first-ever Asian Champions League title in Saturday’s final against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.

The Saudi club, competing in their second final in the Champions League era after finishing runners-up in 2012, remain unbeaten in this season’s tournament. They have the added advantage of playing the final stages at home in Jeddah, with the showpiece taking place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Mahrez, who lifted the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City in 2023 and also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria in 2019, is hoping to add another continental title to his impressive collection. Speaking ahead of the final, the 33-year-old said the support of Al Ahli fans will serve as extra motivation.

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“We feel everything around the final,” he said. “You can take the positive from this fervour, all these people behind us. We want to achieve something for them, for the club, and for all the people working hard behind the scenes. That’s why we’re going to fight for everything, every minute, every second of the game, to lift the trophy.”

Mahrez Vows to Deliver Al Ahli’s First Asian Champions League Title
Al Ahli players celebrate after scoring against Al Hilal during a AFC Champions League Elite semifinal soccer match at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, April, 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Issa)

Mahrez leads the competition in assists with eight and is just one goal shy of the top scorer, heading into the final. He played a key role in the semi-final win, setting up Ivan Toney’s goal, with further contributions from Roberto Firmino and Feras Al Buraikan securing the victory. Al Ahli’s star-studded squad also includes former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Franck Kessié, formerly of Barcelona and AC Milan.

Kawasaki Frontale, meanwhile, are appearing in their first-ever Asian final, having upset Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr 3-2 to book their place. The J1 League side are only the fifth Japanese club to reach the final.

Frontale manager Shigetoshi Hasebe, who had earlier promised a surprise in the final, took a more cautious tone on Friday. “If we play with 95 percent, it will not be enough,” he warned. “All the players have to give 100 percent energy and show their character on the pitch.”

Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle responded to Hasebe’s remarks with respect, saying, “We know about their strength. There’s a team waiting for us that’s beaten big opponents. Maybe we can surprise them as well.”

Frontale captain Yasuto Wakizaka believes the final presents a major opportunity for his club on the international stage. “If we win against such a big club as Al Ahli, it’s very big for us,” he said. “This could be an important step if Kawasaki want to become a more global club.”

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