#ACLElite - MD2: 5 Takeaways

Sun, 06 Oct, 2024

#ACLElite - MD2: 5 Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Two of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 lived up to expectations with thrilling action across the continent.

As the race to reach the knockout stage intensifies, the-AFC.com summarises five key takeaways from the latest round of matches.

Marinos rise to Hutchinson's challenge

Thu, 03 Oct, 2024

Marinos rise to Hutchinson's challenge

Yokohama: John Hutchinson praised his Yokohama F. Marinos players for responding in style after their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/24 win against Korea Republic's Ulsan HD on Wednesday.

Humbled 7-3 by Gwangju FC in their opening match, Hutchinson had challenged his players to take responsibility for their performance and they responded with an emphatic 4-0 win against Ulsan.

Yoshida: Victory was Vissel Kobe's only option

Thu, 03 Oct, 2024

Yoshida: Victory was Vissel Kobe's only option

Kobe: Takayuki Yoshida admitted that victory was the only option for his Vissel Kobe side after their 2-1 win over Shandong Taishan of China PR in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Wednesday.

Having opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Thailand's Buriram United, Yoshida said it was imperative that Vissel Kobe did not drop points at home.

Jesus hails Al Hilal’s tactical discipline

Wed, 02 Oct, 2024

Jesus hails Al Hilal’s tactical discipline

Riyadh: Head coach Jorge Jesus sang the praises of his Al Hilal SFC side following their impressive 5-0 win over Al Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium on Tuesday.

Back to back wins have placed Al Hilal at the top of the West League Stage standings, ahead of domestic rivals Al Ahli Saudi FC on goal difference.

JDT’s Arif vows to push on after sensational start

Wed, 02 Oct, 2024

JDT’s Arif vows to push on after sensational start

Johor Bahru: Arif Aiman made it three goals in two AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 matches after his opening effort sent Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on their way to a 3-0 success against Shanghai Shenhua on Tuesday.

The Malaysian international once again set the stage alight, building on his brace against Shanghai Port in the opening game but the 22-year-old is determined to ensure this isn’t a temporary peak for him.

Gwangju’s winning mentality delights Lee

Wed, 02 Oct, 2024

Gwangju’s winning mentality delights Lee

Kawasaki: Head coach Lee Jung-hyo believes a structured approach was the winning formula as Gwangju FC earned a 1-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Tuesday.

Jasir Asani scored in the first half - his fourth goal of the campaign - to secure the vital win at the Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium for debutants Gwangju, who defeated another Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos 7-3 in their opener two weeks ago. 

Vieira praises Buriram's cohesion, Mariners’ Jackson demands improvement

Wed, 02 Oct, 2024

Vieira praises Buriram's cohesion, Mariners’ Jackson demands improvement

Gosford: Buriram United head coach Osmar Vieira was beaming with pride after his side secured a 2-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024-25 tie on Tuesday.

Guilherme Bissoli and Curtis Good delivered for the Thai League 1 outfit, while Central Coast Mariners suffered more agony with goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic sent off before the Australian side scored a late consolation.

Ronaldo’s emotional milestone spurs Al Nassr

Tue, 01 Oct, 2024

Ronaldo’s emotional milestone spurs Al Nassr

Riyadh: Cristiano Ronaldo once again showcased his class after leading Al Nassr Club to a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan SC in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Monday.

Ronaldo’s curling effort in the 76th minute proved decisive, securing Al Nassr’s victory with Al Rayyan netting a late consolation at the King Saud University Stadium.

After missing several chances in the second half, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner opened his 2024/25 continental account in style for the Riyadh-based side, with the Portugal star revealing afterwards that it was an emotional goal as it was his late father’s birthday.

Sanchez happy with Al Sadd’s early progress

Tue, 01 Oct, 2024

Sanchez happy with Al Sadd’s early progress

Doha: Head coach Felix Sanchez believes his Al Sadd side are on the right track after securing an impressive 2-0 win over Esteghlal FC in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 on Monday.

The 2011 AFC Champions League™ winners were expected to be tested by a tough Esteghlal but an own goal from goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini and Akram Afif’s second half penalty took Al Sadd to four points. 

Their early haul, said Sanchez, was significant with Al Sadd aiming to qualify for the knockout stage after failing to do so in the past three seasons of the AFC Champions League. 

Jaissle proud of Al Ahli’s fighting spirit

Tue, 01 Oct, 2024

Jaissle proud of Al Ahli’s fighting spirit

Dubai: Al Ahli Saudi FC put aside their indifferent domestic form to show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25, with head coach Matthias Jaissle extremely proud of their resilience.

Having lost back-to-back domestic matches to Al Jandal and Al Qadisiyah, Jaissle knew Monday’s 2-0 win against Al Wasl would not have been achieved without the togetherness of the team as they look to put their season back on track.