Brazilian forward Serginho scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute as Kashima Antlers reached their first-ever Asian Champions League final with a 6-5 aggregate win over Suwon Bluewings following a 3-3 draw in the second leg of the semifinal on Wednesday.
In a man-of-the match performance, the 23-year-old, who transferred from Brazilian powerhouse Santos less than three months ago, assisted on the visitors' first two goals before netting the equalizer that clinched a place in the final.
Needing a win or draw to advance following their thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind victory in the first leg at home on Oct. 3, Antlers were facing elimination after the Bluewings scored twice in the span of a minute to take a 2-1 lead at Suwon World Cup Stadium.