AFC Champions League 2023/24

A pulsating first half at Yokohama International Stadium saw Asahi Uenaka’s double and a goal from Anderson Lopes put the Japanese side 3-1 up on aggregate.

However, a Matheus Sales header and a penalty from Darijan Bojanic brought the aggregate scoreline level at the interval as the hosts were also reduced to 10 men after Takumi Kamijima was dismissed.

With no further goals in the second half or extra time, the tie went to penalties where Eduardo struck the winning spot-kick after Yokohama goalkeeper William Popp had saved from Kim Min-woo as Yokohama booked a date with the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain FC in next month’s final.

The captain had to be at his best as Al Ain limited Al Hilal SFC to a 2-1 win in the return leg of their semi-final with the United Arab Emirates side advancing 5-4 on aggregate.

Al Ain, who lifted the title in 2003, will face the winners between Yokohama F. Marinos and Ulsan Hyundai FC in their first AFC Champions League final since 2016.

Korea Republic's Ulsan will be defending a 1-0 lead from the first leg but Japanese side Marinos will be confident of their chances at the Yokohama International Stadium.

Al Ain, the inaugural AFC Champions League winners in 2003, won the first leg 4-2 but know that a tough 90 minutes awaits them at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena.

Al Ain produced a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal in their first meeting while Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0 to leave plenty to play for in the return meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

As Al Ain and Ulsan prepare to make away trips to Saudi Arabia and Japan respectively, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

The biggest story of the week was inaugural winners Al Ain claiming a memorable 4-2 win over Saudi powerhouse and four-time Asian champions Al Hilal, while in their quest for a third continental title, Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0.

Before turning our attention to next week’s all-important return meetings, the-AFC.com looks back at what those involved had to say.

Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai FC earned a narrow 1-0 win against Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos in the East Zone while Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates registered a 4-2 victory against four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC in the West.

With plenty still to play for in the return legs next week, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye from the first meetings between the semi-finalists.