AFC Champions League: Ulsan Hyundai 3 Al Ahli 0

Ulsan claimed their maiden AFC Champions League trophy after cruising past Al Ahli 3-0 at Munsu Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from captain Kwak Tae-Hwi, Brazilian Rafinha and Kim Seung-Yong handed Ulsan the title ahead of their Saudi Arabian opponents as they became the third K-League club in four years to win Asian football’s premier competition.

The Korean side, who went through the tournament undefeated with 10 wins and two draws, not only pocketed $1.5 million in prize money but earned a spot in December’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan where they could potentially face UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea.

Both clubs were making their first appearance in a Champions League final and it was Ulsan, playing in their native country, who dominated from the outset.

Kim Ho-Gon’s side created early chances through Rafinha and Kwak but it took only 13 minutes before they found themselves in front when the skipper headed home a Kim corner.

Ulsan continued to assert their dominance following the goal with Colombian midfielder Juan Estiven Velez trying his luck from distance.

Al Ahli, however, had opportunities to draw level before the half-time break but Karel Jarolim’s team were unable to make the most of Ulsan’s failure to keep possession.

Ulsan controlled the game after the interval as they started the second half in similar fashion.

And 22 minutes after the restart, Ulsan doubled their advantage through Rafinha.

Velez whipped in a delightful cross and the ball somehow found its way to the former Gamba Osaka man, who made no mistake from close range for his fifth goal in six games.

The result was put beyond doubt nine minutes later when Kim unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Abdullah Al Maiouf.