Persepolis have reached the final of the AFC Champions League for the first time in their history, and a historic moment awaits them if they can find a way past the perennial overachievers Kashima Antlers. And, as the game entered its closing stages, Kashima were just able to tighten things up and see out the remainder of the contest to become champions of Asia and make it two Japanese winners in as many years following the success of Urawa Red Diamonds in 2017.
Japanese side Kashima Antlers wins 2018 AFC Champions League after winning 2–0 on aggregate against Iranian Persepolis in the final.