AFC Champions League 2023/24

Korea Republic's Ulsan are seeking a third title while Japan's Marinos are appearing in the semi-finals for the first time.

Winners of the inaugural edition in 2003, standing in Al Ain's way in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 edition are a phenomenal Al Hilal SFC.

Al Ain are making a return to the semi-final stage for the first time since 2016, when they went on to finish runners-up to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic but the United Arab Emirates' side have, however, played some incredible football on the continental stage and will not be overawed by Al Hilal despite the Saudi Arabian side's incredible form.

With the stakes high, the spotlight shines brightly as both sets of players aim to make an impact and send their team through to face either the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain FC or Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC for the ultimate prize in Asian club football.

With the two-legged semi-final taking place on April 17 and 24, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at three stars from each side who could help decide who will advance to next month’s final.

With both sides boasting multiple local and international stars, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on three stars from each side that could make the difference in their respective teams’ pursuit of a spot in the final.

It promises to be an enthralling showdown with Ulsan Hyundai seeking a third continental title while Yokohama will be aiming to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at how the two sides progressed to the semi-finals.

With four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain FC, two-time champions Ulsan Hyundai FC and Japanese powerhouse Yokohama F. Marinos making up the line-up, it’s a star-studded cast set to take centre stage on the continent.

Ahead of the first legs on April 16 and 17, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since emerging champions in the inaugural edition in 2003 while Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal are seeking their third title.

The-AFC.com retraces their journey to the semi-finals.

It’s almost two-and-a-half years since Hong Myung-bo replaced Kim Do-hoon as Ulsan Hyundai head coach, and the Korea Republic legend has barely put a foot out of place since.

Back-to-back K League 1 titles in his first two seasons at the helm saw Hong build on his predecessor’s achievements, ending a run of domestic disappointment after Kim’s side had become perennial bridesmaids during Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ period of dominance.

There was very little time for Harry Kewell to acclimatise to his new surroundings when he arrived in Japan as the latest Australian coaching import to take the helm of five-time J1 League title winners Yokohama F. Marinos.

The 45-year-old’s appointment at the end of last year, while long rumoured as speculation swirled around incumbent Kevin Muscat’s future plans, had been unexpected.

Despite a stellar playing career with Leeds United, Liverpool and Australia, Kewell’s limited coaching record meant his selection to follow J1 League-conquering coaches Muscat and Ange Postecoglou was met with some surprise.

World records, injury woes, and eyes firmly fixed on the prize as the 2023/24 quarter-finals concluded in exciting style with the second leg matches played out in Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, and Japan. Here's the post-match reaction from some of the key men involved.

Former winners Al Ain FC, Al Hilal SFC and Ulsan Hyundai FC – who have collectively won a quarter of the 20 AFC Champions League editions since the tournament was launched in 2002-03 – will be joined by semi-final debutants Yokohama F. Marinos in the final four.

As the continental competition now takes a month-long break before resuming in mid-April, the-AFC.com looks back at the numbers that stood out in the second legs of the quarter-finals.