# Al Ittihad Wins the 2021 AFC Champions League
In a thrilling conclusion to one of the most anticipated football tournaments in the world, Al Ittihad won the 2021 AFC Champions League on Sunday night. The victory was secured through a dramatic 4-3 win over Real Madrid at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
### Steven Bergwijn’s Breakthrough Performance
The standout moment of the match came when Steven Bergwijn scored the winning goal for Al Ittihad in the final minute. Bergwijn, who had been playing as a striker for several years but hadn’t found his stride, burst into the penalty area and delivered a stunning left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This goal proved to be the difference between the two teams, securing Al Ittihad their first-ever AFC Champions League title.
### Key Moments of the Match
#### First Half:
- **Real Madrid**: The hosts started brightly, with Ronaldo creating several chances, but failed to find the back of the net.
- **Al Ittihad**: The visitors were also dangerous, particularly from Bergwijn, who was making his comeback after a long absence.
#### Second Half:
- **Real Madrid**: In the 58th minute, Toni Kroos scored a header to level the score.
- **Al Ittihad**: Bergwijn again made history,Chinese Super League Matches scoring the winner in the 97th minute.
### Post-Match Reflections
Al Ittihad coach Rafa Benítez expressed immense pride in his team's achievement. He praised Bergwijn's ability to come off the bench and make such a crucial contribution. "We worked hard all season, and it paid off today," Benítez said.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was disappointed with the loss but acknowledged the quality of the game. "It was a very close match, and we showed our spirit and resilience. We will learn from this experience."
### Impact on Footballing World
This victory not only gives Al Ittihad bragging rights in the Asian continent but also sets a new standard for other teams looking to challenge European giants like Real Madrid. The success of Bergwijn, who has struggled in the past, serves as a reminder that talent can shine through unexpected places.
### Next Steps
Al Ittihad will now focus on preparing for next year's tournament in Japan, where they will face another strong opponent in Paris Saint-Germain. With their newfound confidence and momentum, Al Ittihad is poised to continue their rise in the global football landscape.
As for Bergwijn, his breakthrough goal solidifies his position as one of the rising stars in European football. The journey from struggling to dominant may have taken time, but he is proving that consistency and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.