Al-Hilal claimed their first AFC Champions League title as goals from Salem Al Dawsari and Bafetimbi Gomis saw off Urawa Red Diamonds 2-0 to secure a 3-0 aggregate victory.
Andre Carrillo s second-half goal in the first leg gave the Saudi Arabian side the advantage heading into Sunday s contest at Saitama Stadium, with the Diamonds hunting an unprecedented third AFC Champions League crown.
Yet despite dominating the first half, Urawa were unable to craft an opening as Al-Hilal claimed revenge for their defeat in the 2017 final.
Al-Hilal s quality paid dividends in the second half – Al Dawsari and Gomis striking late to claim the visitors first title in the competition at their third attempt in the final.
GOAL! | l 0-1 (Aggregate 0-2)
Salem Al Dawsari opens the scoring for Al Hilal! The Tornado was sent off in the 2017 final. Redemption! |
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Al Dawsari, who was sent off in the 2017 final, twice went close for Al-Hilal early on, but Urawa swiftly took control – Takahiro Sekine seeing an effort blocked before Takuya Aoki drilled wide.
Shusaku Nishikawa was suspended for the first leg, with replacement Haruki Fukushima making the mistake which led to Carrillo s goal, and Urawa s goalkeeper almost gifted Al-Hilal an opener when he spilled a corner at the feet of Jang Hyun-soo, but recovered to divert the defender s effort over.
Nishikawa was in the thick of the action again soon after to deny Gomis, though he could do little to prevent Al Dawsari s 74th-minute strike.
Giovinco was the provider, playing a first-time pass into the path of Al Dawsari, who made no mistake with a cool finish.
With their maiden title secured, Al-Hilal added further gloss in stoppage time, Gomis sweeping home to wrap up the triumph in style.
