SAITAMA, Japan (Reuters) - Al-Hilal coach Ramon Diaz refused to blame his team's packed schedule for their failure to defend the Asian Champions League title as the Saudi Arabian side surrendered the crown to Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday.
The Riyadh-based club were aiming to become the first team to lift the trophy on five occasions but an own goal from Andre Carrillo handed Urawa a 1-0 win in the second leg at Saitama Stadium to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Japanese side.
"We created chances but we couldn't score any goals. I want to thank the players for the huge effort they did until now." Al-Hilal are fourth in the Saudi Pro League having also reached the final of the Club World Cup in Morocco against Real Madrid in February in addition to playing in the Asian Champions League final."This is normal when you play for Al Hilal club, this is the only club in Saudi Arabia that competes and plays in all the competitions," Diaz said.
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