Record a shocking 3-2 victory against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club
By PARAS AHMED KHAN
JEDDAH, (Saudi Arabia): Yuto Ozeki had a night to remember at the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 after he helped Kawasaki Frontale defeat Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club 3-2 to take their place in Saturday’s final against Al Ahli Saudi FC.
Ozeki was one of Japan’s stars at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 and has now taken his game to the next level with his performances in Asia’s elite club competition.
The 20-year-old and fellow midfielders Yuki Yamamoto and Kento Tachibanada were tasked with keeping Marcelo Brozovic in check and they limited the Croatian to just 64 successful passes in the game, the fourth lowest the Al Nassr man has managed this campaign.
“One of the main things we concentrated on was containing Marcelo Brozovic which worked out quite well,” said Ozeki.
“Each of us was focused on our tasks, and we contributed together. Al Nassr have big name famous players, we all know that.
“But we managed to do our bit and everyone did a great job which really means a lot to us.”
Having been given his senior start in a J1 League game against Yokohama F. Marinos last month, head coach Shigestoshi Hasebe threw the youngster into the deep end of the AFC Champions League Elite – in the semi-finals no less – and Ozeki thrived at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Having stifled Brozovic, Ozeki netted Frontale’s second goal and with confidence sky high in the squad, the midfielder believes they can defeat Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in Saturday’s final.
“This win boosts our confidence. Al Ahli also have superstars and it will be a very tough game but we will go into the final with our morale high and we will be focused on winning.”
Shigetoshi Hasebe praised Kawasaki Frontale’s fortitude after the Japanese side clinched a 3-2 victory.
Goals from Tatsuya Ito, Yuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga sealed the win for the Japanese side, who held off a late Al Nassr fightback to make the final at the sixth time of trying, having not advanced past the quarter-finals previously.
“It was a tough match, but we delivered a strong performance and that made the difference,” said head coach Hasebe. “Even though this was a neutral venue, it felt like an away game. Still, we kept our focus and showed the progress we’ve made since pre-season. I’m very pleased with that.
“Discipline and attitude were key tonight. I’ve spoken with the players regularly to instill this mindset and they responded well. Everyone showed great commitment. This is the football we’ve been working towards.”
Frontale had to manage fatigue as they had needed extra time to defeat Qatar’s Al Sadd SC in the quarter-finals, with youngsters Soma Kanda and Ozeki (pictured above) included in the starting lineup. “We went 120 minutes just three days ago, so I had to make some tough decisions. I trusted the younger players to step in and learn, and I think it paid off. Some players were close to cramping, and we had to make changes, but thankfully there were no injuries. That tells me the plan worked well.
“Our two young players stepped up. They may still be developing but they’ve gained experience at the U20 level. Their main job was to contain (Al Nassr midfielder Marcelo) Brozovic but they also contributed well going forward.”
Victory against Al Nassr was achieved with just over 25 percent possession and five shots on target with Hasebe saying his side will be ready to deliver another surprise against Al Ahli Saudi FC in Saturday’s final.
“We want to deliver another surprise in the final. I’m proud we upset the expectations tonight. “To win, you have to take your chances and control the game. We were careful with Brozovic today and for the final, I’ll prepare what I believe is the best approach to win.”
Stefano Pioli admitted his side paid a heavy price for their mistakes after Al Nassr Club crashed out. Al Nassr went into their semi-final as the favourites but instead suffered a 3-2 defeat to Kawasaki Frontale, with the Japanese side advancing to the final for the first time in six attempts. Defeat for Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr meant elimination at the last four stage for the third time since 2020.
“We made a lot of mistakes, and it cost us the match. It’s very difficult for us to accept this result,” said Pioli. “We approached the game with a different strategy but we made too many errors in the first half. Now, it’s time to shift our focus back to the Saudi Pro League.” Despite getting off to a fast start, Al Nassr found themselves chasing the game after Tatsuya Ito put Frontale ahead in the 10th minute.
Sadio Mane equalized in the 28th minute but Frontale edged ahead again four minutes before the break through Yuto Ozeki, with the goal coming after Cristiano Ronaldo had rocked the crossbar with a header in the 33rd minute.
Akihiro Ienaga further widened the lead against the run of play in the 76th minute, with Aiman Yahya’s 87th minute strike giving Al Nassr hope. Ronaldo had three attempts on target as the seconds ticked away, with Frontale holding on for the win.
“We didn’t perform the way we should have but from the start, we were determined to give our best. We’ll continue to fight and work hard to improve.
“I share the fans’ disappointment and take full responsibility. Sometimes, the circumstances of a match are beyond your control but we still need to do better.” The Italian tactician admitted Al Nassr were caught off guard by Frontale’s intensity and tactical execution.
“Kawasaki surprised us with their level. Our biggest issue was a lack of discipline and too many mistakes, we didn’t play to our potential. “Tactics evolve from match to match but today we simply didn’t meet our standard. We understand the criticism. We knew the opponents’ style but we just weren’t good enough.”
Scoring a breathtaking volley and playing a key role in the second goal earned Tatsuya Ito the player of the match award.
The win took Frontale into their first final and for Ito, who returned to the J.League this season for the first time in his senior career, the match carried extra meaning.
“It was a very tough game, but we played as a team,” said the 26-year-old Ito. “Now it’s just one more game, one more win, and we can become champions of Asia. We want to bring the title back to Japan.
“The first goal, I had actually simulated that type of shot during our training session yesterday. For the second goal, I saw a gap in their defensive organisation and reacted quickly.
“I’ve just returned from Germany, and this is my first time playing alongside Japanese teammates and under a Japanese manager. I’m really pleased with the experience.”
Ito’s career has taken him through Europe, with youth stints at Kashiwa Reysol followed by spells at Hamburger SV, Sint-Truiden and 1. FC Magdeburg before signing with Frontale earlier this season.
“This isn’t just important for our club, it means a lot for the J.League as well. It shows the level of Japanese football. Before the game, the manager told us we came here to change things and make history. I hope we can complete that mission in the next match.”
Joining Ito in the spotlight was young defender Kota Takai, who played a key role in the backline against Al Nassr’s star-studded attack.
“We knew we were up against great players, but we have great team spirit and in the end, that helped us prevail against them,” said Takai, who is a product of the Frontale youth side.
“This win gives us a lot of confidence, and as a team, we want to continue fighting together and alongside each other.”
Takai is optimistic Frontale can build on their performance in the final against Al Ahli Saudi FC.
“There won’t be much time until the final but I’m sure that with each training session that we have until then we can still improve and hopefully, we can perform even better in the final.”
Edited by Miss Sumayya Ahmad, Reporter-Sub-Editor
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