What's happened
Kawasaki Frontale will compete against Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League Elite final on May 3, 2025. Despite a significant financial disparity, coach Shigetoshi Hasebe remains optimistic about his team's chances after their surprising semifinal victory over Al-Nassr. The match will take place at Al-Ahli's home ground in Jeddah.
What's behind the headline?
Financial Disparity vs. On-Field Performance
- Kawasaki Frontale's coach, Shigetoshi Hasebe, emphasizes that financial factors, while significant, do not determine the outcome of a match. He stated, "The players are not playing with their wallets or their credit cards."
- Al-Ahli boasts a squad valued at approximately $200 million, featuring UEFA Champions League winners like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino. This financial edge raises questions about competitive balance in Asian football.
- The match will be played at Al-Ahli's home ground, which could provide them with a psychological advantage, yet Hasebe believes that support from neutral fans could benefit Kawasaki.
Implications for Asian Football
- The increasing financial power of Saudi clubs, demonstrated by their significant spending in recent transfer windows, is reshaping the competitive landscape of Asian football.
- Kawasaki's success could inspire other East Asian teams to challenge the dominance of wealthier clubs, potentially leading to a more balanced competition in the future.
What the papers say
According to Michael Church from The Japan Times, Kawasaki Frontale's coach Shigetoshi Hasebe downplayed the financial gap between his team and Al-Ahli, stating, "The budget is a very important factor, but... football is played on the pitch." This sentiment is echoed by the South China Morning Post, which highlights the star power of Al-Ahli's roster but also notes that Kawasaki's journey to the final is historic, as they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals before. The contrasting perspectives from these sources illustrate the ongoing debate about the impact of financial resources on competitive success in football.
How we got here
Kawasaki Frontale reached the final after defeating Al-Nassr 3-2 in the semifinals, marking their first appearance in the final of the continental championship. Al-Ahli, with a star-studded lineup, is also seeking its first title.
Go deeper
- What are the key players to watch in the final?
- How has the financial landscape of Asian football changed?
- What does this final mean for Kawasaki Frontale's legacy?
Common question
-
What Happened in the AFC Champions League Quarterfinals?
The AFC Champions League quarterfinals showcased thrilling matches, with standout performances that left fans buzzing. Al-Hilal's dominant victory over Gwangju FC was a highlight, raising questions about the team's potential in the semifinals. Here’s a closer look at the key moments and what to expect next.
-
What Teams Are Dominating the Asian Champions League This Year?
The Asian Champions League has seen some thrilling matches this year, with Saudi clubs making headlines for their impressive performances. As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to know which teams are leading the charge and what to expect in the upcoming semifinals. Here’s a closer look at the current landscape of the league.
-
What Are the Latest Developments in Current Events?
Stay informed about the most pressing issues in today's news. From immigration controversies to sports triumphs, understanding these stories can help you grasp larger societal trends and ongoing narratives. Here are some key questions and answers about recent events that you might be curious about.
-
Why Are Saudi Teams Dominating the AFC Champions League?
Saudi Pro League teams have made headlines with their impressive performances in the AFC Champions League, showcasing their strength and competitiveness. This raises questions about the factors contributing to their success, the implications for Asian football, and what lies ahead for these clubs in the tournament.
-
How Did Kawasaki Frontale Defeat Al-Nassr in the Asian Champions League Semifinal?
Kawasaki Frontale's stunning 3-2 victory over Al-Nassr in the Asian Champions League semifinal has left fans buzzing. This unexpected win not only secures their place in the final against Al-Ahli but also raises questions about the strategies and standout performances that led to this upset. Below, we explore key aspects of this thrilling match.
-
What are the latest updates in politics, sports, and music?
Stay informed with the latest developments in politics, sports, and music. From significant changes in the Trump administration to thrilling moments in Asian football and exciting new music releases, this roundup covers it all. Read on to find answers to your pressing questions about current events.
More on these topics
-
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro GOIH ComM is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Juventus and captains the Portugal national team.
-
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
-
Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
-
Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club is a Saudi Arabian professional football club based in Jeddah, that competes in the Saudi Pro League, the top flight of Saudi Arabian football. The club was founded in 1937.
-
Gwangju FC is a South Korean professional football club based in the city of Gwangju. Gwangju FC joined the K League as it is the 6th club for the 2011 season.
-
Buriram United Football Club is a professional football club based in Buriram, Thailand. The club has played at the top level of Thai football for the majority of their existence and is competing in the Thai League 1.
-
Stefano Pioli is an Italian football manager and a former footballer who played as a defender. He is the head coach at Serie A club A.C. Milan.