Matchday Four: Facts & Figures

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Matchday Four: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday Four of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ witnessed scintillating action as the 32 teams went toe-to-toe as the race for Round of 16 spots intensified.

The-AFC.com highlights several facts and figures that caught the eye.

Kim pleased with Pohang’s battling spirit, Gamba’s Myojin disappointed

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Kim pleased with Pohang’s battling spirit, Gamba’s Myojin disappointed

Pohang: FC Pohang Steelers’ determination not to lose was pleasing to head coach Kim Sung-jae after the Korea Republic side came back thrice to hold Gamba Osaka to a 3-3 stalemate in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ match on Wednesday.

Gamba tactician Hiroshi Myojin, meanwhile, was left wondering what could have been despite remaining unbeaten in their campaign as they dropped points for the second time in four matches.

Dougall: Buriram on right track despite Kashima stalemate

Thu, 05 Nov, 2026

Dougall: Buriram on right track despite Kashima stalemate

Buriram: Buriram United captain Kenny Dougall believes his side are making progress under new head coach Raul Caneda despite having to settle for a 0-0 draw against Kashima Antlers in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Wednesday. 

The result left Buriram 12th in the standings with three points from four matches, while Kashima moved to 10, two behind leaders Vissel Kobe.

Bandovic revels in Port’s success

Wed, 04 Nov, 2026

Bandovic revels in Port’s success

Pathum Thani: Bozidar Bandovic was full of praise for his Port FC side after they came through 7-4 winners against Beijing FC in an exciting AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Tuesday.

Bordin Phala led the way for the Thai side with a hat-trick while Jude Soonsup-Bell and Teerasak Poeiphimai grabbed a brace each, with the win coming as a relief for Bandovic after three defeats.

Inzaghi’s rotation does it for Al Hilal

Wed, 04 Nov, 2026

Inzaghi’s rotation does it for Al Hilal

Riyadh: Simone Inzaghi was pleased with how his reshuffled Al Hilal SFC side took control against previously unbeaten Shabab Al Ahli, winning 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

A brace from Ollie Watkins sealed the win for Al Hilal, who climbed to second in the West standings. Shabab Al Ahli also have nine points but sit fourth on goal difference.

Bakhtiarizadeh proud of Esteghlal’s resilience

Wed, 04 Nov, 2026

Bakhtiarizadeh proud of Esteghlal’s resilience

Basra: Head coach Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh praised Esteghlal FC’s second half performance after Jasir Asani struck in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win over Al Shamal SC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

The victory saw Esteghlal bounce back from last week’s defeat to Shabab Al Ahli, while Al Shamal were unable to build on their Matchday Three win over Al Hilal SFC.