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Semi-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Semi-finals: 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Only two clubs remain in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 after the semi-final stage of the continental competition came to an exciting conclusion on Wednesday.

While Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates held on to edge Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC on aggregate and enter next month’s two-legged final from the West Zone, Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos fought back to overcome Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai FC in a penalty shootout in the other last-four clash to represent the East. 
 
With both contests providing plenty to talk about, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye from the second legs of the semi-finals.

Kewell: Marinos can handle any kind of pressure

Thu, 25 Apr, 2024

Kewell: Marinos can handle any kind of pressure

Yokohama: Harry Kewell expressed pride in the resilience of his players after Yokohama F. Marinos advanced to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final on Wednesday.

In a frenetic encounter at a rain-soaked Yokohama International Stadium, the Japanese side took a 3-0 lead by the 30th minute and 3-1 on aggregate, only to be pegged back by Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai with the match then needing penalties to decide the outcome.
 
Amazingly, Marinos played almost 90 minutes with 10 men, with Takumi Kamijima having been sent off in the 39th minute but not only did they not concede again, Kewell's side won the shootout 5-4.   

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_sf_|_east_zone_2nd_leg_|_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn_3_-_2_5_-_4_pso_ulsan_hyundai_fc_kor.html

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/photo/s-final_2nd_leg_yokohama_f_marinos_jpn_v_ulsan_hyundai_fc_kor_.html

Marinos defeat Ulsan in semi-final thriller

Thu, 25 Apr, 2024

Marinos defeat Ulsan in semi-final thriller

Yokohama: Yokohama F. Marinos advanced to the AFC Champions League™ final for the first time after beating Ulsan Hyundai FC 5-4 on penalties in the second leg of the semi-final on Wednesday following a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

A pulsating first half at Yokohama International Stadium saw Asahi Uenaka’s double and a goal from Anderson Lopes put the Japanese side 3-1 up on aggregate.
 
However, a Matheus Sales header and a penalty from Darijan Bojanic brought the aggregate scoreline level at the interval as the hosts were also reduced to 10 men after Takumi Kamijima was dismissed.

With no further goals in the second half or extra time, the tie went to penalties where Eduardo struck the winning spot-kick after Yokohama goalkeeper William Popp had saved from Kim Min-woo as Yokohama booked a date with the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain FC in next month’s final.

Eisa proud to have helped Al Ain advance

Wed, 24 Apr, 2024

Eisa proud to have helped Al Ain advance

Riyadh: Goalkeeper Khaled Eisa was thrilled to have played a major role in Al Ain securing passage to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final on Tuesday.

The captain had to be at his best as Al Ain limited Al Hilal SFC to a 2-1 win in the return leg of their semi-final with the United Arab Emirates side advancing 5-4 on aggregate.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_west_zone_2nd_leg_|_al_hilal_sfc_ksa_2_-_1_al_ain_fc_uae.html

Resilience powers Al Ain past Al Hilal

Wed, 24 Apr, 2024

Resilience powers Al Ain past Al Hilal

Riyadh: Al Ain qualified for the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 final despite a 2-1 defeat to Al Hilal SFC in the second leg of their semi-final at Kingdom Arena on Tuesday, progressing with a 5-4 aggregate score.

Al Ain, who lifted the title in 2003, will face the winners between Yokohama F. Marinos and Ulsan Hyundai FC in their first AFC Champions League final since 2016.

Preview - SF 2nd Leg: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 0 v 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR)

Tue, 23 Apr, 2024

Preview - SF 2nd Leg: Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 0 v 1 Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR)

Yokohama: Harry Kewell's Yokohama F. Marinos will be counting on their home ground record to defeat Ulsan Hyundai FC when the two sides square off in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final return leg on Wednesday.

Korea Republic's Ulsan will be defending a 1-0 lead from the first leg but Japanese side Marinos will be confident of their chances at the Yokohama International Stadium.

Preview - West Semi-final (2nd Leg): Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 2 v 4 Al Ain FC (UAE)

Wed, 24 Apr, 2024

Preview - West Semi-final (2nd Leg): Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 2 v 4 Al Ain FC (UAE)

Riyadh: Al Ain FC will have to be at their defensive best if they are to stop Al Hilal SFC in the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-final on Tuesday.

Al Ain, the inaugural AFC Champions League winners in 2003, won the first leg 4-2 but know that a tough 90 minutes awaits them at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena.

Semi-Final, 2nd Leg: 5 things to look out for

Sun, 21 Apr, 2024

Semi-Final, 2nd Leg: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The two finalists at the AFC Champions League 2023/24™ will be decided in the coming days as Al Hilal SFC host Al Ain FC and Ulsan Hyundai FC travel to Yokohama F. Marinos in the second leg of the semi-finals.

Al Ain produced a stunning 4-2 win over Al Hilal in their first meeting while Ulsan edged Yokohama 1-0 to leave plenty to play for in the return meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
 
As Al Ain and Ulsan prepare to make away trips to Saudi Arabia and Japan respectively, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

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.