The English FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley may have already concluded, but over 7,000km away in Al Ain, UAE, the city is buzzing with anticipation. Al Ain, the reigning champion of the UAE league with 14 titles, is gearing up to face Yokohama F. Marinos in the AFC Champions League final.
Al Ain, also known as 'The Boss,' is seeking to add to their collection of silverware, supported by their fervent fanbase, the Ainnawis. The entire UAE is rallying behind them as they strive to be crowned the top team in Asia.
The showdown between Al Ain and Yokohama F. Marinos is set to take place at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain's fortress, at 8pm.
In the first leg, Yokohama claimed a 2-1 victory, setting the stage for an intense battle in the second leg. Al Ain, who secured the inaugural title in 2003, has a strong track record in the competition.
On their path to the final, Al Ain overcame formidable opponents such as Al Nassr and Al Hilal. Meanwhile, Yokohama's journey included triumphs over Shandong Taishan FC and Ulsan Hyundai.
The competition's top scorer, Al Ain's Soufiane Rahimi, will be a key player to watch, while the coaching prowess of Hernan Crespo and Harry Kewell adds to the intrigue surrounding this clash of titans.
Crespo emphasized the team's determination to emerge victorious, recognizing the significance of the upcoming match. Conversely, Kewell expressed his team's eagerness to tackle the challenge, undeterred by the hostile environment.
As the final approaches, Abu Dhabi Police have implemented stringent security measures and issued guidance for fans to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
