Preview: Persepolis, Al Hilal set for scintillating quarter-final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Persepolis, Al Hilal set for scintillating quarter-final

Riyadh: AFC Champions League runners-up Persepolis FC lock horns with 2019 champions Al Hilal SFC at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the second match of the 2021 quarter-finals on Saturday.

The two sides have been the dominant forces in West Asia over the past few years, with one of them reaching the final each year since 2017.

Preview: Al Nassr chase instant return to semi-finals but ambitious Al Wahda stand in the way

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Preview: Al Nassr chase instant return to semi-finals but ambitious Al Wahda stand in the way

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr are eyeing a spot in the AFC Champions League semi-finals for the second year running as they take on UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC in the one-legged quarter-final tie at King Saud University Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides are competing at this stage of the competition for the third time in their history, and while Al Wahda’s previous two last-eight appearances ended in elimination in 2004 and 2007, Al Nasse progressed into the semi-finals last year when they defeated domestic rivals Al Ahli Saudi FC before bowing out to Persepolis FC on a penalty shootout.

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-finals: Facts and Stats

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-finals: Facts and Stats

Kuala Lumpur: The 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-finals on Saturday and Sunday promise to be thrilling affairs.

Four previous winners, a runners-up from two of the three most recent editions and and a trio of teams looking to play in the final for the first time remain in the running to emerge the 2021 champions.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some interesting facts and stats ahead of the 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

Al Nassr's Masharipov calls for unity in pursuit of AFC Champions League dream

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Nassr's Masharipov calls for unity in pursuit of AFC Champions League dream

Riyadh: Six years after making his AFC Champions League debut for his boyhood club Pakhtakor FC, Uzbek winger Jaloliddin Masharipov is as close as ever to continental glory as he prepares to lead Al Nassr in a decisive quarter-final clash against UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC on Saturday.

The 28-year-old was one of the standout performers in the 2020 edition of the competition, leading Pakhtakor to the quarter-finals, but his campaign ended on a sour note as he was dismissed 15 minutes into the last-eight encounter against Persepolis, with the Iranian side eventually capitalising on the one-man advantage to win 2-0.

Al Hilal's Jang dreams of repeating AFC Champions League glory

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Hilal's Jang dreams of repeating AFC Champions League glory

Riyadh: Two years into his time at Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC, Korea Republic defender Jang Hyun-soo is dreaming of a second AFC Champions League title as his side prepare to face Persepolis FC in the quarter-finals.

The former Korea Republic international arrived in Riyadh from Tokyo FC back in 2019, having never won silverware at club level, and within months he had picked up the most coveted trophy in Asian football, helping Al Hilal to the AFC Champions League title after a 3-0 aggregate triumph over Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, but Jang is not satisfied yet as he dreams of a repeat of that success.

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals (West): Players in Form

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals (West): Players in Form

Riyadh: The battle to be crowned kings of Asia recommences this weekend with the 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-finals taking centre stage. 

In West Asia, the 2019 champions Al Hilal SFC are joined by Riyadh rivals Al Nassr, who return to the quarter-finals for the third time in three years, while Persepolis FC – runners-up in 2018 and 2020 – and Al Wahda FSCC complete the line-up.

With Al Hilal going up against Persepolis at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium and Al Nassr taking on Al Wahda at  King Saud University Stadium ,  the-AFC.com picks out four players who go into match in fine form.

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals (East): Players in Form

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals (East): Players in Form

Kuala Lumpur: Just eight teams remain in the hunt for the 2021 AFC Champions League title as Asia's premier club competition returns for the quarter-finals over the weekend.

In East Asia, defending champions Ulsan Hyundai are joined by Korean rivals and former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers, while Japan's Nagoya Grampus return to the last eight for the first time since 2009.

With Ulsan taking on Jeonbuk and Pohang meeting Nagoya, both at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Sunday, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on four players who could make the difference.

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-finals: Meet the teams

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League Quarter-finals: Meet the teams

Kuala Lumpur: The race for the 2021 AFC Champions League title is heating up as the eight remaining sides return for the quarter-finals in Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic over the weekend. 

On Saturday at Riyadh's King Saud University Stadium, Al Hilal SFC take on Persepolis FC and Al Nassr go up against Al Wahda FSCC. A day later at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Pohang Steelers meet Nagoya Grampus before defending champions Ulsan Hyundai face off with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

With five countries represented, four former winners still in the mix and a number of the finest players in Asia, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the teams involved.