?Al Saad players celebrating their victory after beating Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in penalty shootout in 2011 AFC Champions League final at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Saturday, November 5, 2011. [Source:Sohu.com]

Al Sadd won their first Asian Champions League title by beating Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on penalties following an thrilling 2-2 draw in 120 minutes in 2011 AFC Champions League final at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Saturday.

Al Sadd became the first Qatar side to win the AFC Champions League and book their place at the FIFA Club World Championship.

Jeonbuk had taken a 19th-minute lead when Brazilian playmaker Eninho curled home a fine free-kick from outside the area. However, Al Saad needed just 10 minutes to level the score as Jeonbuk defender Shim Woo-yeon headed a Kader Keita cross into the his own net from close range.

Keita then scored what looked to be the decisive goal after 61 minutes but Lee Hyun-sung headed a last-minute equalizer to send the game into extra time. Jeonbuk hit the post in extra time and Al Sadd's Ali Afif was sent off shortly before the final whistle after picking up a second booking as the contest went to penalties.

There, Al Saad's goalkeeper Mohamed Saqr saved two penalties with Nadir Belhadj displaying fine composure to fire home the winning penalty.

Related

• Brawl mars Suwon semifinal
• Football's darkest hour
• Gamba Osaka set up last 16 meeting with city rivals Cerezo
• Gamba sinks Tianjin 2-0
• Kashima, Suwon, Jeonbuk reach last 16
• Iran's Foolad Sepahan beat Qatari Al-Gharafa in Asian Champions League
• Shandong win but Suwon mauls Shenhua

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)