South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai made the most of home advantage as they beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 3-0 in the final of the Asian Champions League on Saturday.
South Korea won its 10th Asian Champions League title, more than the combined total of the next two most successful nations, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Al Ahli rarely troubled the hosts’ defense throughout the 90 minutes and in the end Ulsan were comfortable winners, to the delight of an impressive crowd of 42,153.
Captain Kwak Tae-hwi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, with Brazilian forward Rafinha and midfielder Kim Seung-yong adding second half goals as the Koreans won Asia's premier club tournament for the first time.
The Saudi club failed in attack and, with four minutes left in the half, Kim Shin-Wook hooked his attempt wide as Ulsan sought what was turning out to be an elusive second goal.
Al Ahli never looked like winning their first Champions League title as they struggled throughout the final, played in Korea after a draw by organizers, the Asian Football Confederation, in June.
Ulsan collected the $1.5 million winner’s check and will now represent Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup next month in Japan where they will take on Mexican side Monterrey in the quarter-finals.
South Korea won its 10th Asian Champions League title, more than the combined total of the next two most successful nations, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Al Ahli rarely troubled the hosts’ defense throughout the 90 minutes and in the end Ulsan were comfortable winners, to the delight of an impressive crowd of 42,153.
Captain Kwak Tae-hwi opened the scoring in the 13th minute, with Brazilian forward Rafinha and midfielder Kim Seung-yong adding second half goals as the Koreans won Asia's premier club tournament for the first time.
The Saudi club failed in attack and, with four minutes left in the half, Kim Shin-Wook hooked his attempt wide as Ulsan sought what was turning out to be an elusive second goal.
Al Ahli never looked like winning their first Champions League title as they struggled throughout the final, played in Korea after a draw by organizers, the Asian Football Confederation, in June.
Ulsan collected the $1.5 million winner’s check and will now represent Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup next month in Japan where they will take on Mexican side Monterrey in the quarter-finals.
