Kawasaki Frontale Advances To AFC Champions League Final After Defeating Al Nassr

Kawasaki Frontale Makes History in AFC Champions League

Kawasaki Frontale reached the AFC Champions League Elite final after a stunning 3-2 victory over Al Nassr in the semifinals — a historic achievement for the Japanese club.

Dominance Turned Continental Excellence

Once dominant in domestic competition with four J1 League titles between 2017 and 2021, Kawasaki Frontale has now translated that success onto the continental stage under coach Shigetoshi Hasebe.

Unique Squad Composition

The team’s lineup is unlike most elite Asian clubs:

• Only one foreign player — Marcinho from Brazil

• Rising star Kōta Takai, just 20 years old

• Veteran Akihiro Ienaga, contributing at age 38

• Players like So Kawahara, developed from Japan’s third division

Beating Star-Studded Al Nassr

The victory is especially impressive considering Al Nassr’s lineup, featuring global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané. It underscores Kawasaki’s ability to compete with financially powerful clubs.

Final Awaits Against Al Ahli

Kawasaki Frontale will now face Al Ahli in the final this weekend, aiming to crown their remarkable campaign with a continental title.