FC Machida Zelvia Advances to ACL Final with 1-0 Win Over UAE Champions, Yuki Soma Scores Winner
On April 21, 2026, FC Machida Zelvia secured a historic 1-0 victory over Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinal second leg, booking their place in the tournament final. The Japanese club, playing away in Saudi Arabia, advanced 2-1 on aggregate after holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg.
The decisive moment came in the 68th minute when Yuki Soma, the Japanese international forward, scored the only goal of the match. Soma received a pass inside the penalty area and fired a low shot past Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper to put Machida ahead. The goal proved crucial as Machida defended their lead to secure the victory and advance to the final.
This victory marks Machida Zelvia’s first-ever appearance in an ACL final, a significant achievement for the J1 League club. The team, under the guidance of head coach Kuroda, has exceeded expectations in their inaugural ACL campaign, overcoming strong opposition to reach the tournament’s decisive match.
Yuki Soma, who entered the match as a key attacking option for Machida, celebrated his goal with teammates. The 29-year-old forward, who has represented Japan at the international level, has been a consistent performer for Machida since joining the club in 2024. His goal against Al-Hilal continues his strong contribution to the team’s attacking efforts this season.
Al-Hilal, the reigning UAE champions and one of Asia’s most successful clubs, were unable to break down Machida’s resilient defense despite creating several chances. The Saudi Arabian side pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but could not uncover a way past Machida’s organized backline.
With the victory, Machida Zelvia will now face the winner of the other semifinal in the ACL final. The final is scheduled to take place later in May 2026, with the exact date and venue yet to be confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation.
For Machida Zelvia, reaching the ACL final represents the culmination of a remarkable season that has seen them compete strongly in both domestic league play and continental competition. The club’s achievement has generated significant excitement among fans in Machida and across Japan.
As Machida prepares for the final, the team will seem to build on the momentum from their semifinal victory. The club’s players and coaching staff remain focused on the challenge ahead, aiming to secure the ACL title in what would be a historic accomplishment for Japanese football.
The victory over Al-Hilal highlights Machida Zelvia’s growth as a competitive force in Asian football. Their journey to the final has been marked by resilience, tactical discipline, and key contributions from players like Yuki Soma, who delivered when it mattered most.
FC Machida Zelvia’s ACL semifinal victory stands as a testament to the club’s ambition and the quality of Japanese football on the continental stage. As they prepare for the final, Machida carries the hopes of Japanese football fans eager to see their team compete for Asia’s premier club trophy.
For continued updates on FC Machida Zelvia’s ACL final preparation and match details, fans are encouraged to follow the club’s official channels and the Asian Football Confederation’s announcements regarding the final schedule and venue.
