Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale moved into the semifinals of the Asian Champions League Elite tournament with a 3-2 extra-time victory over Qatar’s Al Sadd on Sunday.
The match took place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Yasuto Wakizaka scored the winning goal eight minutes into the first half of extra time, securing Kawasaki’s spot in the next round.
Kawasaki took the lead twice during regular time, but Al Sadd fought back both times.
Erison gave Kawasaki an early lead with a goal in the fourth minute. However, Paulo Otavio quickly equalized for Al Sadd just five minutes later.
In the 21st minute, Marcinho put Kawasaki ahead again with a strong finish, allowing them to enter halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Al Sadd responded in the second half when Claudinho blasted a powerful shot into the net in the 71st minute, making it 2-2.
After a tight end to regular time, Wakizaka’s extra-time goal finally broke the deadlock and sent Kawasaki through.
Kawasaki will now face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club, Al Nassr, in the semifinals on Wednesday.
The other semifinal will be played on Tuesday between Al Hilal and Al Ahli, both Saudi Arabian teams.
Saudi Arabia is hosting all matches from the quarterfinals onward.
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