Al-Ittihad of Jeddah now knows the final hurdle standing between them and continental glory. Their opponent for the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League final has been confirmed.
The Saudi Pro League giants secured their place in the showpiece event after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in the second leg of the West Asia final on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, advancing 5-4 on aggregate. The match was a tense affair, with Fabinho opening the scoring for Al-Ittihad in the 52nd minute. Salem Al-Dawsari equalized for Al-Hilal in the 81st minute, but a stoppage-time own goal by Ali Al-Bulaihi in the 90+5th minute sealed Al-Ittihad’s historic passage.
From the East Asia zone, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, the 2022 champions, were eliminated in the semi-finals. Their conquerors, South Korea’s Ulsan HD, have now officially booked their ticket to face Al-Ittihad.
Ulsan HD confirmed their final berth by defeating fellow K-League side Jeonbuk Hyundai 3-1 on aggregate in the East Asia final. After a 1-0 first-leg win, Ulsan secured a 2-1 victory in the second leg on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, with goals from Kim Min-woong and Um Won-sang.
The stage is now set for a two-legged final. The first leg will be played at Ulsan’s home ground, the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The decisive return leg will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Al-Ittihad will be aiming to lift their third AFC Champions League title, having previously triumphed in 2004 and 2005. Ulsan HD, meanwhile, are chasing their third crown after wins in 2012 and 2020.
