Kawasaki Frontale booked their place in the Asian Champions League semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time win over Al Sadd on Sunday.
The Japanese side, who had been struggling in domestic competition, triumphed at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah after a dramatic encounter that ended 2-2 in normal time.
Kawasaki Frontale had taken the lead twice in the match, first with a goal from Brazilian forward Erison in the opening minutes and later through Marcinho.
However, Al Sadd responded both times with goals from their Brazilian players, Paulo Otavio and Claudinho, forcing the game into extra time.
The winning goal came midway through the first period of extra time when Frontale captain Yasuto Wakizaka seized on a mistake from Al Sadd’s Guilherme and swept the ball home to seal the win.
With the victory, Kawasaki Frontale now advance to face Al Nassr, the Saudi side captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, in what promises to be a high-stakes semi-final.
The match will take place on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, where the tournament’s final rounds are being held.
The other semi-final will see Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal face Al Ahli on Tuesday, further showcasing the dominance of Saudi Arabian teams in this year’s competition.
Frontale’s remarkable journey has now made them the only East Asian team left in the tournament, with the final scheduled for May 3.
