AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25

Following the decision to appoint the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as the Host Association for the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons in December 2023, the King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah have been selected to host the decisive battles of the most sought-after club prize in Asian football.

Port lost 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos, the second defeat in as many weeks after the 4-0 reverse to Vissel Kobe seven days ago.

The China PR side, however, finished in eighth place to reach the knockout stage.

Goals from Asahi Uenaka and Jun Amano in the 64th and 69th minutes respectively sealed victory for the J1 League side although Shanghai Port will still progress to the last 16 as a result of the withdrawal of Shandong Taishan from the competition earlier in the day.

The win was the seventh in the competition for the AFC Champions League™ 2023-24 runners-up, who will go into the next phase of the competition buoyed by their impressive form since Holland arrived to replace interim boss John Hutchison during the close season.

The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) as appropriate for their decision(s).

Despite having to settle for a draw after giving up a two-goal advantage to Korea Republic’s Gwangju FC, the point was enough for the Thai side to advance with their last 16 opponents to be decided when the East Zone’s League Stage concludes on Wednesday.

The Malaysian champions roared back in style after going behind to Lee Ho-jae’s opener, with five players finding the net in what ultimately was an emphatic win at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, with JDT finishing fourth in the East Zone standings on 14 points.

Up next for them will be another Korea Republic side - Gwangju FC - with JDT having the advantage of playing the return leg at home.