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#ACLElite - R16 (East) 2nd Leg: What they said

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

#ACLElite - R16 (East) 2nd Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: There was joy and heartbreak as the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 (East) came to a close on Wednesday.

For the four teams that advanced, continental glory remains in sight while the vanquished were left to reflect on what it could have been.

The-AFC.com caught up with the teams after the thrilling ties.

#ACLElite - R16 (East): 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 13 Mar, 2026

#ACLElite - R16 (East): 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ East Zone's quarter-finalists were decided this past week with the completion of the Round of 16.

As the four successful teams set their sights on the knockout stage, the-AFC.com picks out several facts and figures that caught the eye from the second leg of the East Zone's Round of 16.

Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Munoz proud of JDT’s progress

Hiroshima: Xisco Munoz was beaming with pride after Johor Darul Ta’zim reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday.

Kosuke Kinoshita’s 90th-minute penalty gave Sanfrecce Hiroshima a 1-0 win on the night but Malaysia’s JDT advanced 3-2 on aggregate, securing quarter-final progression for the first time.

Osako hits the high note at the right time for Vissel

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026

Osako hits the high note at the right time for Vissel

Vissel: Yuya Osako was a man on a mission in Vissel Kobe’s 2-1 win over FC Seoul in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 second leg tie on Wednesday.

His header in the 78th minute saw the home side draw level after having been behind for much of the game to Patryk Klimala’s 20th minute strike, with Japan's Vissel eventually going on to win the game 2-1 thanks to Yosuke Ideguchi’s 89th minute goal to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

It had been a long wait for Osako - who started the competition with a strike in the opening League Stage game against China PR’s Shanghai Port FC - for a second goal, having missed four matches due to injury.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-r16-2nd-leg-vissel-kobe-jpn-2-1-fc-seoul-kor

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-r16-2nd-leg-sanfrecce-hiroshima-jpn-1-0-johor-darul-ta’zim-fc-mas

R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

R16: Johor Darul Ta'zim create history

Hiroshima: Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim will play in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ for the first time despite a 1-0 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday as Xisco Munoz’s side completed a 3-2 aggregate win over their Japanese hosts.

JDT, making their third appearance in the last 16 in four seasons, advanced as Bartosh Gaul’s J1 League outfit could only halve the 3-1 deficit from the first leg in Johor when Kosuke Kinoshita’s 90th minute penalty gave Hiroshima hope late in the match.
 
The successful spot-kick was a solitary blemish on an otherwise disciplined defensive display by the visitors, who join Buriram United, Machida Zelvia and Vissel Kobe in progressing to the next round.

R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

R16: Vissel hold firm to confirm quarter-final ticket

Kobe: Japan’s Vissel Kobe batted their way into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after they came from behind to beat FC Seoul 2-1 in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium on Wednesday.

Patryk Klimala’s first half strike was cancelled out by Yuya Osako and Yosuke Ideguchi after the break to give the Japanese outfit a 3-1 aggregate win as they advanced to the quarter-finals after having fallen at the Round of 16 hurdle last season.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/r16-2nd-leg-vissel-kobe-jpn-v-fc-seoul-kor

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/r16-2nd-leg-sanfrecce-hiroshima-jpn-v-johor-darul-ta’zim-mas

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-r16-2nd-leg-buriram-united-tha-0-0-1-1-agg-4-2-pso-melbourne-city-fc-aus

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Wed, 11 Mar, 2026

Etheridge applauds fans as Buriram survive Melbourne encounter

Buriram: Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge paid tribute to the fans after guiding Buriram United past Melbourne City FC in a tense penalty shootout in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 second leg tie on Tuesday.

The Filipino custodian, who made two crucial saves to help his side win 4-2 on penalties, praised both his teammates’ commitment and the unwavering support of the fans.