5 things we learned from the #ACL2022 Final first leg

Tue, 02 May, 2023

5 things we learned from the #ACL2022 Final first leg

Riyadh: A 1-1 draw at King Fahd International Stadium means it is all to play for between Al Hilal SFC and Urawa Red Diamonds when the two sides face-off on Saturday in the second leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final at Saitama 2002 Stadium.

Salem Al Dawsari opened the scoring for the reigning champions inside 13 minutes, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up. Shinzo Koroki restored parity and gave Urawa the away goal advantage eight minutes into the second half, leaving the title to be decided in the return fixture.
 
The-AFC.com looks at five things we learned from the clash in Riyadh.

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8 key stats from the #ACL2022 Final first leg

Tue, 02 May, 2023

8 key stats from the #ACL2022 Final first leg

Riyadh: A tactical battle between Al Hilal SFC and Urawa Red Diamonds ended in a 1-1 draw at King Fahd International Stadium in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final last Saturday.

With both teams chasing a third crown since 2002-03, the destination of the title will be decided in Saitama on Saturday. The-AFC.com looks at eight interesting stats from the first leg. 

Michael confident Al Hilal can finish the job in Saitama

Mon, 01 May, 2023

Michael confident Al Hilal can finish the job in Saitama

Riyadh: Brazilian forward Michael fully believes Al Hilal SFC will overcome Urawa Red Diamonds  in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final second leg at Saitama.

Salem Al Dawsari gave the defending champions a first half lead only for Urawa to level the tie through Shinzo Koroki at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Scholz wants Urawa Reds to show improvement

Mon, 01 May, 2023

Scholz wants Urawa Reds to show improvement

Riyadh: Alexander Scholz insists Urawa Red Diamonds must improve despite battling to a 1-1 draw in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final first leg on Saturday.

Japan's Urawa produced a second half fightback to deny Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia victory with Shinzo Koroki's 53rd minute goal cancelling Salem Al Dawsari’s 13th minute opener.

Urawa filled with hope after tough first leg, says Skorza

Sun, 30 Apr, 2023

Urawa filled with hope after tough first leg, says Skorza

Riyadh: Maciej Skorza paid tribute to his Urawa Red Diamonds players for standing up to a dominant Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League™ 2022 final first leg on Saturday.

Al Hilal looked to well placed for a resounding victory after taking a 13th minute lead through Salem Al Dawsari but Urawa not only weathered the storm but equalised through Shinzo Koroki to force a 1-1 draw at the King Fahd International Stadium, leaving next week's second leg tantasilingly poised.

Diaz: Al Hilal will fight till the end

Sun, 30 Apr, 2023

Diaz: Al Hilal will fight till the end

Riyadh: Ramon Diaz didn’t hide his disappointment but the head coach was adamant that Al Hilal SFC are still very much in the race to lift the AFC Champions League™ 2022 title.

A dominant Al Hilal paid a heavy price against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saturday’s first leg, allowing the Japanese to fight back for a 1-1 draw and losing the talismanic Salem Al Dawsari to a red card at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Al Dawsari had given Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal the lead in the 13th minute and the defending champions looked set for a convincing victory, only for a mistake allowing Shinzo Koroki to score the equaliser in the 53rd minute.

Europe Wrap: Cup glory for Onaiwu; Double for Minami

Tue, 02 May, 2023

Europe Wrap: Cup glory for Onaiwu; Double for Minami

Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Ado Onaiwu and Australia’s Denis Genreau scripted history with Toulouse FC this week as the club defeated Nantes 5-1 in Paris on Saturday to lift the French Cup. The first major silverware for the side who got promoted last season also gives them a place in the UEFA Europa League.

In Italy, Nadeshiko star Moeka Minami won the women’s league title with AS Roma while Korea Republic defender Kim Min-jae and Napoli were made to wait for the Scudetto after a 1-1 draw with Salernitana. His compatriot Son Heung-min, meanwhile, netted in consecutive games in England’s Premier League. 
 
Islamic Republic of Iran striker Mehdi Taremi scored the winner as FC Porto continue to chase leaders Benfica in Portugal while Socceroos duo Awer Mabil and Nicholas D'Agostino were on target in the Czech Republic and Norway respectively, so join the-AFC.com as we look at how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week. 

Preview - Women's Football

Tue, 02 May, 2023

Preview - Women's Football

Phnom Penh: Vietnam will aim to reinforce their position as the top side in the region when the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games Women's Football Tournament kicks off on Wednesday.

They can, however, expect to face stiff competition from the Philippines and Thailand in what promises to be a thrilling race for the 2023 title.