Urawa Reds vs Kawasaki Frontale

AFC Champions League 2017 Final - 2nd leg preview - Urawa Red Diamonds v Al Hilal

Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds or Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal will be crowned the kings of Asia when the two teams meet at the Saitama stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the AFC Champions League 2017 final. 

It is the Urawa Reds who hold a narrow advantage going into the game, after securing a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Saudi Arabia, courtesy of Rafael Silva's goal which was cancelled out by Omar Khribin for Al Hilal. With an away goal advantage in tow, the Japanese team knows that Al Hilal will be forced to come at them with a goalless draw not suiting the away team's needs. 

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AFC Champions League final - AL Hilal vs Urawa Red Diamonds

Takafumi Hori’s side have been super-impressive at home so far in the tournament, winning all six of their continental home games. They will be aiming to keep that record unblemished and win their first title since 2017 in the competition. 

One worry they had was Rafel Silva being forced out with an injury in the first leg. However, the Brazilian attacking midfielder is expected to be fit for Saturday's game, handing the Japanese team a massive boost. Also, key defender Mauricio Antonio will also return to the lineup on Saturday. 

Al Hilal, on the other hand, are still unbeaten in the tournament but they will be aiming to win outright in Saitama, given that a 0-0 draw does not really help them. The Saudi Arabian side will be desperate to make up for the disappointment in 2014 when they lost in the final . 

However, they have been dealt a massive blow by an injury to striker Carlos Eduardo who hobbled off in the first leg. Nawaf Al Abed and Salem Al Dawsari will be tasked with supporting Omar Khribin as Al Hilal embark on a mission to win their first ever AFC Champions League title.

Venue: Saitama Stadium, Saitama
Kick-off: November 25, 19:15 UTC+9

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