Group D: Persepolis FC (IRN) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group D: Persepolis FC (IRN) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw with Pakhtakor in their 2019 AFC Champions League Group D opener on Tuesday.

The visitors got off to a flyer, leaving the crowd at Azadi Stadium stunned as Marat Bikmaev tapped in from point-blank.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/persepolis_fc_irn_vs_pakhtakor_uzb_-_afc_champions_league_2019_2.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/persepolis_fc_irn_vs_pakhtakor_uzb_-_afc_champions_league_2019_7.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/persepolis_fc_irn_vs_pakhtakor_uzb_-_afc_champions_league_2019_8.html

Group E: Gyeongnam FC (KOR) 2-2 Shandong Luneng FC (CHN)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group E: Gyeongnam FC (KOR) 2-2 Shandong Luneng FC (CHN)

Changwon: Changwon: Former Italian international striker Graziano Pelle opened his AFC Champions League campaign with a brace as Shandong Luneng came from behind to draw 2-2 with tournament debutants Gyeongnam FC in a hotly contested Group E encounter on Tuesday. 

On a chilly night at the Changwon Football Center Stadium, both sides started well in an evenly contested opening half.

Shandong had the first chance of the match when Wu Xinghan was left free in the box from a free-kick, but he couldn’t direct his header on target.

At the other end, Shandong’s star signing, Belgian international Marouane Fellaini made a crucial defensive header on 11 minutes as Song Ju-hun looked to get on the end of Lee Yeong-jae’s in-swinging free-kick.

Group E: Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2-1 Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group E: Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2-1 Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS)

Ibaraki: Japan's Kashima Antlers got their AFC Champions League title defence underway with a 2-1 win over Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia in Group E on Tuesday.

There was an early scare for the visitors when JDT goalkeeper Farizal Marlias brought down Takeshi Kanamori on the edge of the box. The away side were relieved that the referee blew for a free-kick and not a penalty.

Hassan satisfied with ‘important’ point

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hassan satisfied with ‘important’ point

Isfahan: Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan has admitted that Al Zawraa were happy to come away from the Islamic Republic of Iran with a point after the Iraqi side opened their 2019 AFC Champions League Group A campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zobahan on Monday. 

The game at Foolad Shahr Stadium marked the first time an Iraqi side had appeared in the competition since Air Force Club and Erbil in 2008.

Al Zawraa spent much of the game on the back foot, with Zobahan posting 24 shots on goal across the 90 minutes, but the Iraqi backline remained resolute to ensure a happy return to a competition they last graced in 2007.

Group F: Guangzhou Evergrande FC (CHN) 2-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Guangzhou Evergrande FC (CHN) 2-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Guangzhou: Guangzhou Evergrande struck two early goals to earn a 2-0 victory over Group F rivals Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Matchday One of the 2019 AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

Sanfrecce had an early chance when Hiroya Matsumoto’s ball over the top released Douglas Vieira. The striker had a clear run on goal but took the ball too far wide and his effort from a tight angle was saved by Zeng Cheng.

Guangzhou responded by starting to dominate possession and it was no surprise when they took the lead after a fine team move in the 19th minute. Li Xuepeng’s deft pass released Yu Hanchao down the left and the winger’s cross was headed in by Anderson Talisca.

Group F: Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1-3 Daegu FC (KOR)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Group F: Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1-3 Daegu FC (KOR)

Melbourne: Korea Republic's Daegu FC fought back from a goal down to beat Melbourne Victory of Australia 3-1 in their 2019 AFC Champions League Group F opener on Tuesday.

In their very first AFC Champions League campaign, the 2018 Korean FA Cup champions were on the back foot early as the home side jumped out of the blocks to dominate early proceedings, with Raul Baena and Terry Antonis both having early efforts from long range.

Brosque: Classy Ghoochannejhad will excite fans

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Brosque: Classy Ghoochannejhad will excite fans

Sydney: Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque has hailed the signing of Reza Ghoochannejhad ahead of the Australian side’s opening AFC Champions League game against Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai at Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday. 

After spending the vast majority of his career in Europe – primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium – the Iranian forward joined Sydney on loan from Cypriot side APOEL ahead of the 2019 AFC Champions League campaign.

The 31-year-old former Islamic Republic of Iran international scored his first goal for his new club as Sydney defeated Adelaide United 2-0 in the A-League on Friday and he is now set to take his place in the starting line-up for the Group H match against 2012 winners Ulsan.