Al Ahli star Mahrez warns team-mates not to take Japanese rivals for granted

TL;DR

Riyad Mahrez warns Al Ahli not to underestimate Machida Zelvia in the Asian Champions League final. Mahrez emphasizes the importance of staying focused despite being favorites at home in Jeddah.

Key points

Riyad Mahrez warns Al Ahli not to underestimate Machida Zelvia
Al Ahli aims for back-to-back Asian Champions League titles
Machida Zelvia is making their first appearance in the final
The final will take place in Jeddah at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
Mahrez emphasizes the need for focus and determination

Mentioned in this story

King Abdullah Sports City StadiumRiyad MahrezMatthias JaissleGo Kuroda

Al AhliMachida ZelviaAsian Champions League

Riyad Mahrez says his Saudi club side Al Ahli must not take Japanese opponents Machida Zelvia lightly if they are to win back to back Asian Champions League titles (Gabriel BOUYS) (Gabriel BOUYS/AFP/AFP) Riyad Mahrez says Al Ahli have achieved "something incredible" in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals, but warned his side not to underestimate tournament debutants Machida Zelvia when they meet for the trophy in Jeddah on Saturday. Al Ahli, who 12 months ago defeated Kawasaki Frontale to claim a first continental crown, go into a second successive final against Japanese opponents as favourites, not least because the Saudi side are playing at their home King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. However, Mahrez reminded the Asian champions that nothing is a given, especially after Machida's remarkable run to the final. "Really happy to be in the final again, two years in a row, at home with our fans. So looking forward to the game," said Mahrez at Friday's eve of match press conference in Jeddah. "It's important for everyone to not take it for granted because being in the (Asian) Champions League final two years in a row is something incredible. "But at the end you have to play the game tomorrow, (and) you have to win it. We will do everything to do that," added the 35-year-old Algerian international. Making their first appearance in Asia's premier club competition, Machida have yet to concede in three knockout matches in Jeddah, even if their semi-final victory against Shabab Al Ahli ended in hugely controversial fashion. The UAE side had an injury-time equaliser disallowed for a bizarre VAR decision and later had an appeal to replay the game rejected by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Mahrez, also a UEFA Champions League winner with Manchester City, said: "Because we played last year, this season we come with a bit more calm and confidence. But that doesn't mean we will not be really focused. "It will be really, really difficult. (Machida) deserve to be there. They took their chance 100 percent. "Every game we've played here since the last 16 has not been easy. So we're expecting something difficult again tomorrow. But we are ready and we know what we have to do to win the game."

Q&A

What did Riyad Mahrez say about the Asian Champions League final?

Riyad Mahrez warned his Al Ahli teammates not to underestimate Machida Zelvia and emphasized the need to stay focused for the final.

How did Machida Zelvia reach the Asian Champions League final?

Machida Zelvia reached the final by winning all three knockout matches without conceding a goal, despite a controversial semi-final victory.

Where will the Asian Champions League final between Al Ahli and Machida Zelvia be held?

The final will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

What is the significance of Al Ahli's back-to-back finals in the Asian Champions League?

Al Ahli's appearance in back-to-back finals highlights their success in the tournament, having won their first title last year.

Al Ahli star Mahrez warns team-mates not to take Japanese rivals for granted

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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