#ACLElite Match Predictor: Saudi sides soar, perfect predictions and what next?

Sat, 30 Nov, 2024

#ACLElite Match Predictor: Saudi sides soar, perfect predictions and what next?

Kuala Lumpur: It’s past the midway point of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 league stage and we’re getting a better sense of the teams who will challenge for a place in the knockout rounds. 

Matchday Five gave fans in the West a look at commanding victories by Al Ahli Saudi, Al Hilal and Al Nassr as the trio from Saudi Arabia confirmed their knockout stage spots with an astonishing three matches to spare.  

In addition, for the first time in this tournament, all five of the most popular user Match Predictions were correct! 
So, follow our guide at the end of this and maybe you’ll remain perfect by the end of MD6. 

But before we get there, just a reminder that we’re just past the halfway stage of AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Match Predictor and the fun has just begun, so don’t forget to join for free at (https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite/predictor.html). Predict the games, compete against your friends and win cool prizes. 

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#ACLElite - MD5: What they said

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

#ACLElite - MD5: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: Joy, relief and frustration were all part of Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

Three of the eight West Zone knockout stage were filled but there were plenty more talking points, as the-AFC.com finds.

#ACLElite - MD5: Facts & Figures

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

#ACLElite - MD5: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 was yet another spectacular affair.

Record equaling runs, new landmarks and sharpshooters were all part of a memorable matchday on the continent.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures with the teams to go at it again next week.

Asani draws inspiration from Ronaldo in Gwangju journey

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Asani draws inspiration from Ronaldo in Gwangju journey

Gwangju: Gwangju FC’s Jasir Asani is determined to emerge the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 top scorer, drawing motivation from Al Nassr Club star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Albanian striker came off the bench to make an immediate impact against Shanghai Shenhua FC on Wednesday, scoring with his first touch what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 57th minute as he took his tally to seven.

Hutchinson pleased as Marinos maintain momentum

Thu, 28 Nov, 2024

Hutchinson pleased as Marinos maintain momentum

Yokohama: Yokohama F. Marinos head coach John Hutchinson expressed satisfaction after his team claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Pohang Steelers in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie at International Stadium on Wednesday.

The win propelled Marinos to third in the standings with 10 points, while Pohang are four adrift and remain 10th.

Mixed emotions for Al Hilal’s Jesus, Al Sadd’s Sanchez

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Mixed emotions for Al Hilal’s Jesus, Al Sadd’s Sanchez

Doha: Al Hilal SFC head coach Jorge Jesus and his Al Sadd SC counterpart Felix Sanchez were left with mixed feelings after their sides battled to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Tuesday.

The draw was enough for Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal to book their ticket to the knockout stage and left Qatar’s Al Sadd well placed to join them.

Milojevic confident Al Wasl will advance

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Milojevic confident Al Wasl will advance

Karbala: Al Wasl FC head coach Milos Milojevic is excited that his UAE side hold AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 progression in their own hands after Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Iraq’s Al Shorta.

The Serbian said Al Wasl were deserved winners as they took their tally to 10 points and was confident his team will join Saudi Arabian trio Al Ahli Saudi FC, Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr Club who have already secured qualification to the next stage. 

Tang’s risk taking pays off for Shandong Taishan

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Tang’s risk taking pays off for Shandong Taishan

Jinan: Tang Tian was delighted that Shandong Taishan FC pulled through their tough AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 match against Johor Darul Ta’zim with a 1-0 win on Tuesday.

Having played the Chinese FA Cup final on Saturday and Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale up next on the continental stage, the assistant head coach said player management was key given the tight schedule.

Shandong made nine changes to the side that lost to Shanghai Port FC in the cup final but still had enough to secure the win to take them to seven points.

Teamwork delivered win for Kawasaki, says Miura

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Teamwork delivered win for Kawasaki, says Miura

Buriram: Sota Miura hailed Kawasaki Frontale’s teamwork after scoring one of their three late goals in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 victory over Thailand’s Buriram United on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half, Kawasaki’s perseverance paid off as goals from Miura, Daiya Tono and Soma Kanda secured the emphatic win to propel the Japanese side to nine points.

Shanghai Port fulfill Muscat’s expectations

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Shanghai Port fulfill Muscat’s expectations

Ulsan: Kevin Muscat did not hold back on his praise after Shanghai Port capped a wonderful November by defeating Ulsan HD 3-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Tuesday.

The win revived their knockout stage hopes and it came in a month where Shanghai Port sealed the Chinese Super League and FA Cup titles, the first time they have achieved the domestic double.

Yoshida: Self belief clinched Vissel Kobe victory

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024

Yoshida: Self belief clinched Vissel Kobe victory

Kobe: Takayuki Yoshida said self belief clinched Vissel Kobe their 3-2 win over Central Coast Mariners in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 tie on Tuesday.

Ryuho Kikuchi put them ahead just before the break and Storm Roux’s own goal had the Japanese side seemingly cruising but Australia’s Mariners drew a lifeline when Hotaru Yamaguchi netted into his own net in the 54th minute.

Bailey Brandtman drew Mariners level in the 74th but Vissel kept pushing and were rewarded with the winner from Daiju Sasaki in the 81st, with the result keeping them top of the East Zone standings on 13 points.

#ACLTwo - MD5 in numbers

Sat, 30 Nov, 2024

#ACLTwo - MD5 in numbers

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Five of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 ended with 12 of the 16 knockout stage spots filled.

As the hopefuls prepare for one final assault on the remaining berths in the coming week, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures from Matchday Five.