Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: After an entertaining first week of AFC Champions League 2017 action, the 16 East Zone teams vying for continental glory are set to return on Tuesday and Wednesday for Matchday Two.
East Zone
Group E
The action in the East kicks off on Tuesday as Ulsan Hyundai host Brisbane Roar and Kashima Antlers travel to Muangthong United in what is already shaping up to be an intriguing Group E.
Ulsan twice struck the woodwork before eventually losing 2-0 to Kashima, while Brisbane played out a scoreless draw with Muangthong as their search for a first ever home win in the competition continued.
Muangthong, meanwhile, were unlucky to not win their first ever AFC Champions League match on Matchday One and will be in confident mode ahead of the early table-toppers’ Kashima’s visit to Thailand.
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) v Brisbane Roar (AUS)
PREVIEW
Venue: Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan
Kick-off: February 28, 19:30 UTC+9
Muangthong United (THA) v Kashima Antlers (JPN)
PREVIEW
Venue: Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: February 28, 19:30 UTC+7
Group F
Both Shanghai SIPG and Urawa Red Diamonds claimed away victories in their opening Group F encounters with FC Seoul and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively and head into Matchday Two knowing home wins would open up a six-point gap over their opponents.
Shanghai ran out impressive 1-0 winners against FC Seoul and will start as favourites ahead of the visit of Western Sydney, who succumbed to a comprehensive 4-0 loss to Urawa.
And Japanese side Urawa host FC Seoul in a repeat of the 2016 last 16 clash that the Korean team won on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw over 120 minutes.
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) v FC Seoul (KOR)
PREVIEW
Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama
Kick-off: February 28, 19:30 UTC+9
Shanghai SIPG (CHN) v Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS)
PREVIEW
Venue: Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai
Kick-off: February 28, 19:30 UTC UTC+8
Group G
On Wednesday, Guangzhou Evergrande will look to stretch further ahead at the top of Group G when they visit Suwon Samsung Bluewings on the back of a resounding 7-0 victory over debutants Eastern SC.
Suwon, meanwhile, gained a respectable point in a 1-1 draw with Kawasaki Frontale but have only won once in their six previous encounters with their Chinese opponents.
Eastern will need to bounce back strongly from their heavy reversal, in which two players were sent off, when Kawasaki come to town in what will be the first AFC Champions League match to be hosted in Hong Kong.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) v Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
Venue: Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon
Kick-off: March 1, 19:00 UTC+9
Eastern SC (HKG) v Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)
Venue: Mongkok Stadium, Hong Kong
Kick-off: March 1, 20:00 UTC+8
Group H
And finally, Gamba Osaka and Jiangsu FC return to home turf after wins on the road against Adelaide United and Jeju United respectively put them in strong positions in Group H.
Gamba were convincing in their 3-0 victory in Australia but face a Jeju side that deserved more than a 1-0 defeat to Jiangsu in their first match on the continent since 2011.
Jiangsu’s last-minute winner against Jeju may have been against the run of play, but should they post back-to-back wins by seeing off Adelaide, the Chinese side will already have one eye on a first ever knockout phase.
Gamba Osaka (JPN) v Jeju United (KOR)
Venue: Suita City Football Stadium, Osaka
Kick-off: March 1, 19:00 UTC+8
Jiangsu FC (CHN) v Adelaide United (AUS)
Venue: Nanjing Olympics Sports Center, Nanjing
Kick-off: March 1, 19:35 UTC+8
Photo: Lagardère Sports