Andre Carrillo’s second-half goal in the first leg means the Saudi side will start the return meeting 1-0 up as they aim to win the competition for the first time, while the hosts are targeting an unprecedented third title.

The teams also squared off at Saitama Stadium in the second leg two years ago, with Urawa claiming a 1-0 victory to be crowned champions after a 2-1 aggregate win.

For a man who has played 225 consecutive ties in the J.League — a run that lasted from May 11, 2013 until November 1, 2019 — Nishikawa's view of the AFC Champions League final action at King Saud University Stadium was an unfamiliar one.

It was not from his near ever-present role between the posts, but from a seat in the stands due his one-match suspension.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old took the opportunity to turn the situation to his advantage and analyse the action ahead of the return meeting in Japan.

In 16 previous finals, history shows that the team that loses the first leg tends not to be crowned champions. Only Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad have managed the feat and that was back in 2004.

That does not, however, mean there haven’t been some classic encounters over the years and the-AFC.com has picked out five to whet your appetite ahead of Sunday’s game at Saitama Stadium.

While some have been away on international duty, others have remained with their club sides and have enjoyed some free time, with trips abroad, music gigs and pet play all featuring in the-AFC.com's latest social wrap.

While opponents Al Hilal sit top of the Saudi Pro League in its early stages, Urawa are dangerously near the J.League’s drop zone with just two games to play and, should domestic results go against them on Saturday, the Saitama side could go into the second leg looking worryingly over their shoulders.

With just over two weeks left of the Reds' season, the-AFC.com looks at what will be a crucial few games in the history of one of Japan’s biggest clubs.

That leaves the showpiece event perfectly poised ahead of the return meeting at Saitama Stadium on November 24 and both teams seem relatively happy with the scoreline. Here's what those involved had to say.

With the international break to take centre stage over the next week before the return meeting at Saitama Stadium on November 24, the-AFC.com looks back at the facts and figures that caught the eye at Riyadh's King Saud University Stadium.

Photos: Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds