Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As fans of Asian football prepare for the return of the AFC Champions League, with the group stage of the 19th edition of the continental competition kicking off on Wednesday, the-AFC.com looks back at the tournament's history.
A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.
The period between 2011 and 2014 saw champions from three new countries; Qatar, China PR and Australia, but the next three editions would see a bounce back of established powers with three different clubs lifting their second AFC Champions League trophy between 2015 and 2017.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: The seaside bustling Saudi metropole of Jeddah hosts Group C of the 2021 AFC Champions League with local side Al Ahli Saudi FC joined by Iran Pro League giants Esteghlal FC, Iraqi powerhouse Al Shorta and one of Qatar’s most successful sides Al Duhail SC.
In the competition’s expanded format of 40 teams playing in 10 groups, with the group leaders in addition to the top six runners-up qualifying to the Round of 16, competition will be more intense than ever to book a place in the knock-out stage.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sharjah: The AFC Champions League is back, and with an unprecedented 40 teams spread across 10 groups, the race for the title of Asian champions is sure to be bigger and more intense than ever.
One of the West Zone’s most interesting groups will be found in the United Arab Emirates, where Sharjah will welcome Uzbekistan Super League holders FC Pakhtakor, Iranian Cup winners FC Tractor and Air Force Club of Iraq, who sealed their place with a thrilling play-off win earlier this week.
Ahead of Wednesday’s kick-off, allow the-AFC.com to bring you up to speed with the venue, star players and the group’s context.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riyadh: The second of two 2021 AFC Champions League groups being played in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Group A gets underway on Thursday with 2019 winners Al Hilal SFC joined by 2015 runners-up Shabab Al Ahli and debutants FC Istiklol and FC AGMK.
In the competition’s expanded format of 40 teams playing in 10 groups, with the group winners in addition to the best six runners-up advancing to the Round of 16, competition will be more intense than ever to book a place in the knock-out stages.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As fans of Asian football prepare for the return of the AFC Champions League, with the group stage of the 19th edition of the continental competition's group stage kicking off on Wednesday, the-AFC.com looks back at the tournament's history.
A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.
Having so far looked at the tournament over its first 15 years, we shift the focus to the more recent editions, when there was glory for a trio of powerhouses from Japan, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As fans of Asian football prepare for the return of the AFC Champions League, with the 19th edition of the continental competition's playoff round kicking off on Wednesday, the-AFC.com looks back at the tournament's history.
A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.
Three of the inaugural four titles went to West Asian sides, then the power shifted with clubs from Japan and Korea Republic splitting the following four between 2007 and 2010. Next up we look at a period that saw a return to two legged finals and one of the all-time greatest sporting shocks.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As fans of Asian football prepare for the return of the AFC Champions League, with the 19th edition of the continental competition's play-off round kicking off on Wednesday, the-AFC.com looks back at the tournament's history.
A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.
Having looked at the first four editions of the tournament, dominated by West Asian teams who won three out of the inaugural four titles, the second part of this series revisits the years 2007 to 2010, a period that saw the power balance shift as East Asia completed a clean sweep of titles.