Matchday Two: West Zone Preview

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matchday Two: West Zone Preview

Kuala Lumpur: The action continues as the 2019 AFC Champions League moves into Matchday Two with eight clashes in West Asia across Monday and Tuesday.

A repeat of last year's semi-final, a first-ever AFC Champions League match in Iraq and some heavyweight clashes are all on the cards this week as we enter matchday two of the competition's group stage.

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Matchday One: The Week In Numbers

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Matchday One: The Week In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The 2019 AFC Champions League group stage got off to a flying start last week, with the 32 teams providing drama, excitement and plenty of memorable moments. 

Historic wins, debut victories and record-breaking goals were all part of an action-packed Matchday One, so join the-AFC.com as we look back on the facts and figures that caught the eye.

First goal was crucial, says Benatia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

First goal was crucial, says Benatia

Doha: Medhi Benatia drew on his FIFA World Cup experience with Morocco and admitted that it was vital Al Duhail made their dominance count with a goal against Esteghlal in Group C of the 2019 AFC Champions League on Tuesday, before they went on to record a 3-0 victory.

After a scoreless first half against the Iranian side, Benatia headed home the first goal as the hour approached to ease any opening-day nerves, before Youssef El Arabi and substitute Ali Afif both got on the scoresheet as the Qatari champions got off to a perfect start.

For Benatia, who was making his AFC Champions League debut after joining from Juventus, the game brought back memories of when he last faced Iranian opposition, back in June.

Morocco dominated against the Islamic Republic of Iran in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, only to concede deep into stoppage time and suffer an agonising 1-0 defeat.

Analysis: New-look Al Duhail too good for Esteghlal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Analysis: New-look Al Duhail too good for Esteghlal

Doha: Rui Faria’s first experience of the AFC Champions League went smoothly as the long-serving Jose Mourinho assistant steered Qatar’s Al Duhail to a seamless 3-0 triumph over Esteghlal.

Despite a slow start, Al Duhail got the job done in the second half as goals from Medhi Benatia, Youssef El Arabi and substitute Ali Afif ensured the absence of 2019 Asian Cup MVP Almoez Ali was not too keenly felt.

ACL 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Islom Tukhtakhujaev (PFC Lokomotiv)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL 2019 Allianz Goal of the Week: Islom Tukhtakhujaev (PFC Lokomotiv)

Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com has announced that PFC Lokomotiv's Islom Tukhtakhujaev is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for Matchday One of the 2019 AFC Champions League. 

ACL2019 MD1 Toyota Player of the Week: Cesinha (Daegu FC)

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL2019 MD1 Toyota Player of the Week: Cesinha (Daegu FC)

Kuala Lumpur: Daegu FC's Cesinha has been named the Toyota Player of the Week for Matchday One of the 2019 AFC Champions League.

A superb performance from Daegu FC forward Cesinha in his side's 3-1 debut win away at Australia's Melbourne Victory in their Group F Matchday One clash on Tuesday saw the Brazilian pick up this week's top player plaudit.

Cesinha was directly involved in all of Daegu's goals against Melbourne Victory (three - one goal, two assists); more goal involvements than any other player in the 2019 AFC Champions League opening round.

Ability will always override inexperience, says Urawa's Oliveira

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Ability will always override inexperience, says Urawa's Oliveira

Saitama: 'Ability will always override inexperience' was the message from Oswaldo Oliveira after he saw his Urawa Red Diamonds team pick up a 3-0 win over Buriram United in the 2019 AFC Champions League on Wednesday, with teenager Daiki Hashioka scoring twice for the former champions.

Hashioka’s brace came in the final 15 minutes of a tight game in which the Thai champions pushed the 2017 title winners for much of the match before the 19-year-old wing-back’s intervention swung the tie in Urawa’s favour.

The youngster’s match-winning performance in the Group G clash was the highlight for an Urawa side returning to the AFC Champions League for the first time since winning the title in 2017 and the veteran Brazilian plans to continue to give youth a chance.