Urawa Red Diamonds ensured November 25th 2017 would remain a red-letter day in the history of the club as they lifted the AFC Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Al Hilal in the second leg of the final at the Saitama stadium on Saturday.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Saudi Arabia, Urawa Red Diamonds knew all they had to do was keep a cleansheet and the trophy would be theirs for the first time since 2007.
Skipper Yuki Abe was entrusted with that responsibility in a high-pressure game and the experienced campaigner rose to the fore with a battling display that won his team the coveted cup.
The 36-year-old midfielder-turned-defender, who had actually a part of the Urawa team which won the tournament in 2017, led his team’s defensive line with aplombb and racked up a tally of 80% passing accuracy, made three tackles, and won two fouls in the second leg.
Ultimately, his efforts which were absolutely crucial in his side being crowned the champions of Asia sees him named our Player of the Week!
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