Yokohama rallies past Al
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Yokohama F.Marinos came from behind to take a first-leg lead in the Asian Champions League final, defeating Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates 2-1 on Saturday.
Kota Watanabe scored the winner in the 84th minute after Asahi Uenaka had headed the hosts back on level terms in the second half. Yokohama controlled most of the game at Nissan Stadium after conceding an early goal from Mohammed Al-Baloushi.
The second leg is May 25 at Al-Ain.
Yokohama coach Harry Kewell is taking nothing for granted — he was part of the Liverpool team that came back from 3-0 down against AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final to lift the trophy in Istanbul.
“I know in this game that it can be taken away from you so quickly,” said the Australian, who took the Yokohama job in December and has led the team to its first-ever final. “We have to understand that there is another 90 minutes to play and it’s going to be very difficult. They can enjoy the moment but there’s still a long way to go in this tie.”