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Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Sat, 20 Apr, 2024

Semi-final, 1st Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Al Ain FC and Ulsan Hyundai FC will travel to the second legs of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals with leads to defend after they posted wins over Al Hilal SFC and Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg last Wednesday. 

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. 

Semi-finals: 1st Leg in Numbers

Fri, 19 Apr, 2024

Semi-finals: 1st Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 witnessed some exhilarating action as the first legs of the two semi-final contests were played out on Wednesday. 

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.

Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain's Rahimi promises more after ending Al Hilal's amazing run

Al Ain: Soufiane Rahimi promised more of the same next week after his hat-trick helped steer Al Ain to a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal SFC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

The Morocco striker scored all of his goals in the first half as UAE's Al Ain stopped Al Hilal's world-record breaking run at 34 wins. 

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Ulsan make Hong proud; Kewell confident Marinos can bounce back

Ulsan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed pride after Ulsan Hyundai confirmed their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 following their 1-0 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Wednesday.

Although there is still work to be done if Ulsan are to stay on track for a third continental title, the slender first leg win over Marinos meant they are assured of being one of the four Asian teams who will compete in next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_semi-finals_|_west_zone_1st_leg_|_al_ain_uae_4_-_2_al_hilal_sfc_ksa.html

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Al Ain stun Al Hilal in classic

Al Ain: Al Ain inflicted a 4-2 defeat against Al Hilal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

The Saudi powerhouse came into the game off the back of a world record 34-match winning run, but Al Ain head coach Hernan Crespo guided his side over the team that had beaten his Al Duhail side 7-0 at the same stage last season.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/photo/s-final_1st_leg_al_ain_fc_uae_v_al_hilal_sfc_ksa.html

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_semi-finals_|_east_zone_1st_leg__|_ulsan_hyundai_fc_kor_1_-_0_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn.html

Lee strike gives Ulsan narrow advantage over Marinos

Thu, 18 Apr, 2024

Lee strike gives Ulsan narrow advantage over Marinos

Ulsan: Ulsan Hyundai FC will take a slender advantage to Japan for next week’s return meeting after claiming an entertaining 1-0 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals on Wednesday.

The hosts opened the scoring at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium shortly before the 20-minute mark through Lee Dong-gyeong before Ulsan captain Joo Min-kyu hit the woodwork midway through the second half.

Two-time champions Ulsan, who confirmed their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with the win, could have added to their lead but in the end had to settle for the one-goal victory to leave the semi-final perfectly poised ahead of the second leg on April 24.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/photo/s-final_1st_leg_ulsan_hyundai_kor_v_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn.html

Latest update on AFC Champions League™ 2023/24

Tue, 16 Apr, 2024

Latest update on AFC Champions League™ 2023/24

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Semi-final first leg match between Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates and Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

The match was scheduled to be played today at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain at 8pm local time. However, following an advisory from the UAE authorities, the UAE Football Association has suspended all football activities for Tuesday, keeping in view the safety of all fans, players and stakeholders.

Preview - East Semi-final (1st Leg): Ulsan Hyundai FC (Kor) v Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Preview - East Semi-final (1st Leg): Ulsan Hyundai FC (Kor) v Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN)

Ulsan: Ulsan Hyundai FC will tread with caution when they host Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 East semi-final on Wednesday.

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