2020 AFC Champions League Final: What They Said

Doha: The 2020 AFC Champions League final brought a challenging year to a close with Ulsan Hyundai FC defeating Persepolis FC 2-1 in an absorbing final at the magnificent Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.

Junior Negrao's brace from the penalty spot secured the Korea Republic side their second AFC Champions League title, having first laying their hands on the trophy in 2012. For Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis, it was heartbreak in the final yet again after having been denied by Japan's Kashima Antlers two years ago.

We take a look at what the head coaches and players had to say.

“I want to express my appreciation for my parents; my father passed away earlier this season. He always gave me a lot of support and I believe he was rooting for Ulsan from the sky. I would also like to say thank you to my mother back in Korea who continued to cheer for us in every game."

Ulsan Hyundai head coach Kim Do-hoon pays tribute to players, staff and parents in an emotional farewell following the final.

“We made sure we did not concede goals in any way, but we gave them two easy chances to score. I am really sad and I want to apologise to all the fans of Persepolis for our shortcomings. The players fought until the end, but we could not win."

Persepolis FC head coach Yahya Golmohammadi laments his side’s lack of concentration after they gave up the lead to fall to a 2-1 defeat to Ulsan Hyundai.

"I could not have won this award without my teammates. Everyone played their role, we came together as a team and wanted to enjoy our football."

Ulsan Hyundai's Yoon Bit-garam pays tribute to his teammates after being named the 2020 AFC Champions League MVP.

"We did, we did, after a very difficult year, we did. Come on."

Two-goal hero Junior Negrao celebrates Ulsan Hyundai's win after having missed out on the K League 1 and Korea FA Cup titles this year.

"Thank you so much to all the fans for being able to come to the game. Feeling so happy, excited. The best in Asia, Ulsan Hyundai. Fighting."

Bjorn Johnsen expresses his excitement at fans being able to watch the final in the Al Janoub Stadium.

"Thank you everybody for the support this year. We love you and thank you for the support. I don't know anymore what to say. I am so excited, we are the king of Asia, again. Thank you for everything."

Dave Bulthuis, the first Dutch player to win the AFC Champions League, dedicates Ulsan Hyundai's triumph to their fans.

"I scored with the help of my teammates but this goal couldn’t help us and we lost the match. I’m sorry for our fans because couldn’t bring the trophy to Iran."

Mehdi Abdi Qara expresses regret that Persepolis fell at the final hurdle despite having taken the lead.