Al Ain erupted in celebration as the club claimed the AFC Champions League trophy for only the second time in its history, turning the city into a sea of purple and white. After losing the first leg 2-1 at Yas Arena to Yokohama F Marinos of Japan, Al Ain roared back in the decisive home second leg, winning 5-1 at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium for a commanding 6-3 aggregate victory.
A Remarkable Journey Back from the Brink
The road to the 2024 AFC Champions League title was anything but smooth. Al Ain defeated some of the region's strongest sides along the way, including Al Nassr — the Saudi club featuring Cristiano Ronaldo — in the quarter-finals, and Al Hilal in the semi-finals.
Mohammed Al Kaabi, 34, a lifelong supporter, flew to Saudi Arabia to watch both knockout matches in person. When the final whistle blew to confirm the title, emotion took over completely.
"I knew the team were crowned champions after we scored our third goal, but I cried when the final whistle was blown," Al Kaabi told The National.
A Family Tradition Built Around Al Ain FC
For Al Kaabi, following Al Ain is more than sport — it is a family tradition. His household has attended home matches for years, and the continental triumph validated decades of loyalty.
"I had a dream two nights before that we would win," he said. "The players went all out, but the fans were the key to this success."
Historic: Sweeter Than 2003
Mohammed Saif Al Ketbi described the victory as even more meaningful than Al Ain's first AFC Champions League title in 2003 — the club's only other continental triumph before this campaign.
"It is the biggest joy we've had," Al Ketbi said. "We had a poor season in the local league, replaced the coach, and several players were injured — yet today we are the proud champions of Asia."
Shared Joy and Unity Across the City
Emad Sowan, 28, from Jordan but born and raised in Al Ain, said watching the final was one of the proudest moments of his life.
"I was trembling during the match, especially when they scored, but it all culminated in pure joy when the referee blew the final whistle," he said. "For many it was like watching a carnival in the streets and around the stadium."
Al Ain's triumph stands as a testament to resilience — a team that refused to give up despite a turbulent domestic season, driven forward by the unwavering support of its fans and the quality of players like top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, who netted 13 goals across the tournament. It is one of the defining moments in UAE football history.
