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Urawa Red Diamonds 1 Al-Hilal 0 (2-1 agg): Rafael strike secures AFC Champions League glory

Related Topics: Urawa Red Diamonds

Urawa Red Diamonds secured their second AFC Champions League title as a 1-0 win over Al-Hilal completed a 2-1 aggregate success.

Rafael da Silva was the goalscoring hero once more as Urawa Red Diamonds defeated Al-Hilal 1-0 to secure AFC Champions League glory via a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The Brazilian's crucial away goal in Riyadh last Saturday gave Urawa the edge heading into the return in Saitama, and Ramon Diaz's side were unable to breach a stubborn Reds defence.

Their cause was not helped by a 78th-minute red card for Salem Al Dawsari, who picked up two cautions in quick succession, before Rafael effectively secured the trophy with a rare moment of quality in an otherwise dour affair, rattling a thumping finish in off the underside of the crossbar.