After more than 1 year since the match started, Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) are the two names in the championship match. The first leg of the final at King Fahd showed the "talent and balance" of this match when both teams showed impressive plays. The return match at Saitama Stadium promises to be more intense and exciting.
The advantage of the Japanese " tycoon"
In the first leg in the Middle East, Urawa Red Diamonds had an excellent performance when they held the home team Al Hilal to a draw. The 1-1 result gave the Japanese representative an advantage over the away goal before returning to play at home.
Urawa Red Diamonds' unique attacking style of play was affirmed when they were the team with the most goals in this year's tournament - 32 goals after 10 matches. The excellence of the attack has helped the "Japan Red Devils" remain unbeaten in the last 12 matches.
Playing strongly but Urawa Red Diamonds always focus on solidity in defense. The Japanese giants have only conceded 5 goals.
The ability to intercept the two foreign midfielders Scholz and Hoibarten will be a big challenge for Al Hilal in the second leg.
On the other side of the front line, Al Hilal is without the main striker Al Dawsari (suspended). The home field and superiority in terms of force will be great advantages for the Japanese team before the second leg.
The bravery of the defending champion
After the result in the first leg with a red card from Al-Dawsari, Al Hilal is predicted to have a difficult 90 minutes at Saitama. However, coach Ramon Diaz still has another effective attack option.
The name that Al Hilal fans expect is striker Odion Ighalo. The former Manchester United player has scored 7 goals in this year's tournament. With just one more goal, he will overcome Al Duhail striker Edminson Junior and take the lead in the list of top scorers.
Urawa Red's all-out attack will also be an opportunity for Ighalo to take advantage of their speed in counter-attacks.
Of Ighalo's 7 goals in this year's AFC Champions League, 5 came from acceleration and penetrating the opponent's defense. The Nigeria striker's ability to play independently will be an effective attack option for Al Hilal.
In the final match of the AFC Champions League 2021, Al Hilal defeated the Pohang Steelers (Korea) with a defensive counter-attacking style. The Leaders fans expect this style of play to continue to help them defeat another big player in the East Asia region.
The highly anticipated match between the two outstanding clubs of the continent promises to be an exciting and exciting match to close out an emotional 2022-2023 AFC Champions League season.
The dream match of Asian football will be broadcast live and exclusively on the FPT Play platform at 4:00 p.m. on May 6.
