Japan's Kashima clinch AFC Champions League title

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Japan's Kashima Antlers won the AFC Champions League title after playing a draw in their second leg game of the much-anticipated final on Saturday. The Japanese side held a two-goal advantage when they faced Iranian club Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran in their away match. The hosts needed three goals to turn the table against their rivals.

The home side tried to draw the first blood in the 27th minute, but Ali Alipour's header was well parried by Antlers keeper Kwoun Sun-Tae. Alipour came close again in the 64th minute when he missed the target by a whisker before his header flew over the bar in the 78th minute.

Players of Kashima Antlers pose for a photograph during the AFC Champions League final first leg match between Kashima Antlers and Persepolis at Kashima Soccer Stadium in Kashima, Japan, November 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

It was a frustrating night for the Iranian outfit as all their efforts of scoring went in vain. With both the sides failing to break the deadlock, the match eventually ended in a goalless stalemate. This gave Kashima Antlers a 2-0 win on aggregate, which was good enough for the side to take home their first AFC Champions League title.

After his side's title triumph, Kashima coach Go Oiwa said: "It was a tough game, away from home and players were really mobile. They battled well, and I'm delighted with this title."

Meanwhile, his Persepolis counterpart Branko Ivankovic mentioned, "Of course I'm sorry we didn't become champions. I congratulate Kashima on winning the title. As we saw today, the game could have gone in favor of either of the two teams."

This was the first time that the Japanese club won the Asian title.