Western Sydney crowned ACL champions
Last updated on .From the section Football
Debutants Western Sydney Wanderers became the first Australian team to win the Asian Champions League after they beat Al-Hilal over two legs.
Western Sydney held a 1-0 lead after the first leg at home and claimed the title after a goalless draw against the Saudi Arabian side in the return leg.
The victors from the A-League were only formed in April 2012.
"We were called a small club. Now, we are the biggest in Asia," Western Sydney boss Tony Popovic said.
"It is still a little surreal for me as a coach. I am sure it will hit home in the next few days when we reflect.
"I am just proud for these players and our club. The first time in the competition, to win it, I think in the future we will really understand how special this run has been."
Western Sydney will now represent Asia at the Fifa Club World Cup next month in Morocco.
Former Crystal Palace defender Popovic's side went into the second leg in Riyadh ahead thanks to a goal from Tomi Juric.
And, despite Al-Hilal being cheered on by 65,000 fans, Western Sydney's resilient defending and a string of saves from keeper Ante Covic helped them win the title.
Popovic added: "We don't have the resources or the funds that some of these other teams have.
"But we have something that money can't buy, the desire to win, the resilience to play for each other and do anything we can to win. No money can buy that."
