R16, 2nd Leg in Numbers

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

R16, 2nd Leg in Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: After another enthralling week of AFC Champions League™ action, the quarter-finalists for the 2023/24 edition have been confirmed.

The second legs of the Round of 16 saw a total of 24 goals across the eight matches with five former champions among the sides that have progressed.  
 
As the continental competition takes a two-week break ahead of the next round, the-AFC.com looks back at the stats and facts that caught the eye over the past week.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league/video/acl_-_r16_|_west_zone_|_al_hilal_sfc_ksa_3_-_1_sepahan_sc_irn.html

#ACL - Q-finalists confirmed

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

#ACL - Q-finalists confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: Five former champions are among the eight teams who confirmed their places in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals after the conclusion of the Round of 16 on Thursday.

Among teams seeking their first title, China PR’s Shandong Taishan were the first side to check into the last eight after an exciting 4-2 second leg win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday.

Gallardo praises Ittihad’s character in comeback win

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

Gallardo praises Ittihad’s character in comeback win

Riyadh: Al Ittihad FC were given a stern test by Navbahor AFC in their Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 second leg match before eventually securing a 2-1 win, leaving head coach Marcelo Gallardo proud of his charges.

Trailing to an early own goal from Karim Benzema, Gallardo’s men fought back to draw level through Abderrazak Hamdallah late in the first half before Navbahor’s Toma Tabatadze put one into his own net to give Ittihad the win. 

Jesus’ substitutions pay off for Al Hilal

Fri, 23 Feb, 2024

Jesus’ substitutions pay off for Al Hilal

Riyadh: Head coach Jorge Jesus praised Al Hilal SFC for their second half resurgence to defeat Sepahan FC 3-1 in the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie on Thursday.

Al Hilal’s victory secured their progression 6-2 on aggregate, setting up a quarter-final against fellow Saudi Pro League outfit, Al Ittihad.

Al Nassr's Otavio targeting glory

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Al Nassr's Otavio targeting glory

Riyadh: Otavio wants more after Al Nassr sealed progress to the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 quarter-finals on Wednesday. 

The Portuguese midfielder opened the scoring in the 17th minute with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo adding the second as Al Nassr defeated Al Fayha 2-0 in their Round of 16 second leg tie, advancing to a last eight meeting with UAE's Al Ain 3-0 on aggregate. 

Crespo: Players have made Al Ain proud

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Crespo: Players have made Al Ain proud

Al Ain: Hernan Crespo hailed his players after Al Ain came from behind to defeat FC Nasaf 2-1 in their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 second leg at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday.

Victory meant former AFC Champions League winners Al Ain advanced to the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece for the first time in seven years, adding to Crespo's joy.

Marinos’ perseverance delights Kewell

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Marinos’ perseverance delights Kewell

Yokohama: Head coach Harry Kewell was delighted with Yokohama F Marinos’ never-say-die attitude after the Japanese side came out tops in the second leg of their AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Round of 16 tie against Thailand’s Bangkok United on Wednesday. 

Tied 2-2 after the first leg, Marinos dominated possession but found Bangkok hard to break but just when it seemed that a penalty shootout would be needed to decide the winners,  Wisarut Imura handled the ball in the final seconds of extra-time, with Anderson Lopes slotting home from 12 yards. 

Jo: Ulsan must be fully focused for Jeonbuk showdown

Thu, 22 Feb, 2024

Jo: Ulsan must be fully focused for Jeonbuk showdown

Tokyo: Jo Hyeon-woo is confident of Ulsan Hyundai’s chances against fellow Korea Republic side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors if they are fully focused when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.

The veteran shot stopper was at his best to deny a plucky Ventforet Kofu in their Round of 16 second leg tie as Ulsan sealed a 2-1 win on Wednesday to advance 5-1 aggregate.