Frontale make new boss Hasebe proud

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

Frontale make new boss Hasebe proud

Pohang: Head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe had a debut to remember after he guided Kawasaki Frontale to a 4-0 success against FC Pohang Steelers as his new side marched into the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 on Tuesday.

Frontale were impressive in Hasebe’s first competitive outing since replacing the legendary Toru Oniki, with the Japanese side ending Pohang’s three-match winning streak at home in the competition as they sealed progression with a game to spare.

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Bidoglio confident JDT will progress

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

Bidoglio confident JDT will progress

Gosford: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Hector Bidoglio is confident the 2-1 win over Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday will be the platform for qualification to the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage.

The Malaysian champions took a significant step towards a place in the Round of 16 as the win - their first on the road this season - took them to 11 points, leaving destiny in their own hands ahead of a crunch final League Stage fixture against FC Pohang Steelers next week.

MD7: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0-4 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0-4 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Pohang: Kawasaki Frontale booked their berth in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 with a 4-0 win against 10-man FC Pohang Steelers on Tuesday.

The win took Frontale up to 15 points, sealing their progress to the Round of 16 as they are assured of a top eight finish while Pohang’s fate will be decided in their final match next week.

MD7: Vissel Kobe (JPN) 4-0 Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: Vissel Kobe (JPN) 4-0 Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Kobe: Hosts Vissel Kobe handed Shanghai Port a crushing 4-0 defeat on Tuesday as the J1 League champions confirmed their progress to the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

Yoshinori Muto, Yuya Kuwasaki, Koya Yuruki and Yuya Osako were all on target for Takayuki Yoshida’s side while Shanghai Port goalkeeper Yan Junling saved a penalty from Osako in a one-sided display at Kobe Wing Stadium.

The win moves the Japanese outfit onto 16 points from their seven games so far and guarantees the 2020 semi-finalists a place in the last 16 with one round of matches remaining.

Shanghai Port, meanwhile, will have to wait until their final group phase match against Yokohama F. Marinos next Wednesday to add to their eight points as Kevin Muscat’s side attempt to progress as well.

MD7: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 3-1 Gwangju FC (KOR)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 3-1 Gwangju FC (KOR)

Jinan: Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan produced a stunning performance to cruise 3-1 past Gwangju FC of Korea Republic on Tuesday to revive their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage.

The win moved Shandong up to 10 points and they must win their Matchday Eight fixture against Korea Republic’s Ulsan HD next week to stand a chance of advancing.

Defeat left Gwangju rooted on 13 points but they sealed their spot in the Round of 16 as they are assured of a top eight finish. Also through from the East Zone following Tuesday's results were Japanese trio Vissel Kobe, Yokohama F. Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale.

Preview - MD7: Buriram United (THA) v Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Tue, 11 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD7: Buriram United (THA) v Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Buriram: Buriram United will be out to strengthen their claim on a knockout stage spot and, in the process, end Ulsan HD FC's hopes when they two sides meet in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 on Wednesday.

Thailand's Buriram ended Matchday Six in eighth spot while Korea Republic champions Ulsan HD were 11th.

Preview - MD7: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

Preview - MD7: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) v Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN)

Yokohama: After a disastrous start was followed by a five-match unbeaten run, Yokohama F. Marinos will expect to book their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage ticket with victory over Shanghai Shenhua FC when they square off on Wednesday.

Prior to the winter break, Marinos led the standings on goal difference ahead of Korea Republic's Gwangju FC and fellow Japanese side Vissel Kobe, with all three on 13 points.

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Nam Dinh FC (VIE) v Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Tue, 11 Feb, 2025

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Nam Dinh FC (VIE) v Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Nam Dinh: Vietnam's Nam Dinh FC can expect to be tested when they meet Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

While Nam Dinh had to work hard to finish second in Group G, Japan's Sanfrecce cruised to the Group E top spot, finishing four points clear of Sydney FC.

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Sydney FC (AUS) v Bangkok United (THA)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Sydney FC (AUS) v Bangkok United (THA)

Sydney: Sydney FC will tread with caution when they welcome Bangkok United for the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

While Australia's Sydney finished second in Group E, Bangkok United cruised into the knockout stage after topping Group G.

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Al Wehdat (JOR) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Tue, 11 Feb, 2025

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Al Wehdat (JOR) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Amman: Al Wehdat and Shabab Al Ahli are set for a thrilling contest when they square off in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Both sides impressed in the group stage, with Jordan's Al Wehdat finishing second in Group C while UAE's Shabab Al Ahli comfortably topped Group D.

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Al Wakrah SC (QAT) v Al Taawoun SC (KSA)

Thu, 13 Feb, 2025

Preview - R16, 1st Leg: Al Wakrah SC (QAT) v Al Taawoun SC (KSA)

Al Wakrah: Al Wakrah SC will have no margin for error when they host Al Taawoun SC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

Qatar's Al Wakrah snuck into the knockout stage as the runners-up of the three-team Group A while Al Taawoun soared to the Group B top spot.