Saudi Arabian and Korean media have hailed the performances of their top clubs Al Ittihad and Pohang Steelers as they reached the final of the 2009 AFC Champions League.

Al Ittihad defeated Japan’s Nagoya Grampus 8-3 on aggregate. Pohang eliminated Qatar’s Umm Salal 4-1.

The final will be played at the National Stadium in Tokyo on November 7.

Al Youm,  Saudi Arabia’s leading  newspaper paid tribute to Al Ittihad’s Mohammed Noor with the headline “Noor of Al Itthad shines” as he helped end Japan’s two-year stranglehold on the tournament.

Al Hayat gloated on their domination of Nagoya by declaring “Al Ittihad extinguish the Japanese volcano”.

Al Madina newspaper praised Al Ittihad as the ideal football ambassadors of their country.

Korean media heaped praise on Pohang’s Brazilian coach Sergio Farias, who has shown great leadership and control in directing the teams path to the 2009 final.

Korean papers where also mindful that Al Ittihad had a history of beating K-League teams at important stages of previous tournaments.

“Farias magic, Pohang reaches final, face K-League killers Al Ittihad,” said Sports Seoul.

Joynews24 focused on Pohang’s goal of three trophies this year, including the K-League title and the Peace Cup which they won earlier this year.