The Pohang Steelers of South Korea and Saudi Arabia outfit Al Hilal, two of the most successful clubs in Asian football, will have a shot at history on Tuesday and you can catch the action on Paramount+. A spot in the FIFA Club World Cup is at stake along with bragging rights for securing a fourth AFC Champions League title as the two sides square off in the final. Pohang will be at a disadvantage with the game being played in Saudi Arabia although it won’t be in Al Hilal’s home stadium.
Al Hilal sports a lineup anchored by Brazilian and former West Brom star Matheus Pereira and their resident lion striker Bafetimbi Gomis. The 36-year-old former Swansea City attacker has 77 goals in 98 games played for Leonardo Jardim’s Saudi side. As for Pohang, this AFC Champions League run is a dream when you consider they’re closer to being relegated than they are to winning the K League this season. Obviously, in a final of this nature, team form is thrown out the window as both side chase an unprecedented fourth Champions League trophy.
Below you’ll find some storylines, how you can watch the match and much more:
How to watch AFC Champions League final
Date: Nov. 23 | Time: 11 a.m. ET
Location: King Fahd International Stadium — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
TV and live stream: Paramount+
What to know
A spot in the Club World Cup is on the line as qualification is based on winning your continental championship. Bayern Munich hold the current title, but Chelsea will represent UEFA as winners of last season’s Champions League. The winner of the AFC Champions League would join the following participants in the United Arab Emirates in early 2022 for the Club World Cup:
- Chelsea (UEFA)
- Palmeiras or Flamengo (CONMEBOL)
- Al Ahly (CAF)
- Monterrey (CONCACAF)
- Auckland City (Oceania)
- Al Jazira (AFC, hosts)
Along with Al Ahly and Monterrey, the winner of Tuesday’s final would begin their Club World Cup campaign in the second round. For reference, Al Jazira and Auckland City will begin a round earlier and Chelsea and the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores winner (Palmeiras or Flamengo) will begin a round later in the semifinals. More details on dates and fixtures and the draw will likely come soon from FIFA.
Prediction
It’s hard to see Al Hilal being denied here with the form of Gomis. Pick: Al Hilal 2, Pohang 1
