Ex-Spartan Karlsson to play in Asian Champions League final, opponents to be announced in six months

He had no place in Sparta and heard the call of the Far East. David Moberg Karlsson certainly doesn’t regret his decision, his transfer to Urawa Red Diamonds worked out perfectly and he became a mainstay of the team in Japan. Now, he and his club are close to a success he couldn’t have hoped for in Europe.

Eight goals in the league, five in the Champions League. And although that leaves him only eighth in the J1 League and nine points adrift of the cups, a huge achievement is within reach in continental competition. David Moberg Karlsson has been on a roll in Japan and could additionally help his team to a third AFC Champions League title in history.

And the Champions League suits Karlsson in particular, as he reminded European fans of his phenomenal goal from a direct kick in the eighth round.

He then scored once more in the match, and in the quarter-final he contributed another goal to the 4-0 victory over Thailand’s Pathum United. On the way to the final on Thursday 25 August, Urawa faced South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai, themselves two-time winners.

Trouble for the favourite, decided on penalties

As expected, the Japanese side took the lead, but their opponents managed to equalise from the penalty spot. Urawa pressed and even hit the bar in injury time, but failed to stave off extra time.

Moreover, in the 116th minute, the shot came in. Kyo-Won Han outjumped a defender and got the ball into the net. The equalizer came at the last moment, with a penalty forced by Japanese striker Kasper Junker.

Urawa were more successful from the penalty spot, although Karlsson himself was the only one of the team to miss. The Japanese champion reached the final for the fourth time in its history, but will have to wait six months to see who it will face for the title due to specific rules.

The AFC Champions League is divided into West and East Asia regions, with each playing their matches according to the needs of their home leagues. The eastern zone played a one-match pavilion tournament in Japan to limit travel between countries due to the covid.

The West Zone begins its tournament on February 3, with Al Hilal among the top favorites. Saudi Arabia’s champion holds a record four AFC Champions League titles, and Czech coach Ivan Hasek spent six months with the team in 2012.

Urawa will then play the final double-header with the Western Zone qualifier on February 19 and 26.

Source: AFC