Robaato Rasamu came so close to sealing the first title in his mission to win all five top-tier continental trophies as Albirex Niigata narrowly lost to big-spending Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League Final. The Japanese manager needed a little time to get his head around the defeat and consider his options moving forward.
Pentagon Pursuit | Part 14 | AFC Champions League Excitement
Approaching six years of life as a Football Manager, Robaato Rasamu was enjoying his first taste of continental football in his mission to win every top-tier continental club trophy. His Albirex Niigata side just wrapped up their best-ever league campaign and reached the knockout rounds of their maiden AFC Champions League campaign.
Pentagon Pursuit | Part 13 | First Taste Of Continental Football
A strong start to the 2028 J1 League season saw Albirex Niigata sitting in 2nd place and dreaming of a title battle with still-unbeaten Gamba Osaka. They also had the prospect of a first-ever AFC Champions League campaign to look forward to.
Pentagon Pursuit | Part 12 | Niigata’s All-Time Record Goalscorer
Albirex Niigata had qualified for the AFC Champions League, which meant Rasamu and, as far as he could tell, the club would get their first taste of continental football. And, considering this save is all about winning the leading competition on every continent, that was a pretty big deal - but it doesn't start until well into the second half of the league campaign.
