Yokohama v Al Ain: Harry Kewell says Marinos look 'fantastic' ahead of ACL final

Yokohama F Marinos manager Harry Kewell is backing his team to again show their ability to overcome any obstacle when they meet Al Ain in the Asian Champions League final.

The Japanese side, through for the first time to the continent’s showpiece match, host their UAE rivals in the first leg at the Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday night (2pm UAE). The return match takes place in Al Ain on May 25.

Yokohama’s previous best finish in the Champions League was the Round of 16, in 2020 and 2022, but they have displayed considerable grit to go to the title-deciding tie in this year’s tournament.

In the last 16, Kewell's side needed a 120th-minute winner in the second leg to advance against Bangkok United, before they then eked past Shandong Taishan in the quarter-final despite having a man down in the second leg.

In the semi-final, against Ulsan Hyundai, Yokohama had to again progress after being reduced to 10 men – defender Takumi Kamijima was sent off in the 39th minute – triumphing this time via a penalty shootout.

“We’ve come across hurdles throughout this competition where we’ve been put in situations that have challenged us and we’ve come through that,” Kewell said during Friday’s pre-match press conference in Yokohama.

“I’m confident in my team’s ability. They’ve looked fantastic in training, they’re working hard, we’re playing the way that we want to play, and we’re excited for this challenge.

“It’s not often you get to play in an AFC Champions League final, so it’s important to realise that but obviously understand there’s still a huge step to take. And we have a chance to take that step. But we know it’s going to be difficult.

“Al Ain’s a very difficult team to beat. I feel that they’ve created the same kind