Khaberni - Al-Ittihad bid farewell to the competitions of the elite AFC Champions League, after a shocking loss to Machida Zelvia of Japan with a score of 1-0, in the match that brought the two teams together in the quarterfinals of the competition’s lifespan.
This defeat ended “Al-Amid” (The Admiral's) journey in the continental championship at the quarterfinal stage, amid great disappointment among its fans, who had hoped for a continuation towards the final rounds and to compete for the Asian title.
The only goal of the match was scored by Titi Yingji, a striker from Machida, in the 31st minute of the first half, while Al-Ittihad failed to score throughout the 90 minutes.
Al-Ittihad completed the season’s disasters, exiting without any titles, as the elite AFC Champions League was seen as the last chance to salvage its season, after shocks in the league, the King’s Cup, and the Super Cup.
On the other hand, this victory is considered historic for Machida, which becomes the fourth Japanese team to qualify for the quarterfinals during its first participation in the Asian championship.
