Matchday One: Facts & Figures

Fri, 18 Sep, 2026

Matchday One: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The opening matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ had it all - big wins, upsets and more.

After a furious round of action, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-beijing-fc-chn-3-1-fc-pohang-steelers-kor

Skibbe applauds keeper Gonda after nervy Vissel win

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Skibbe applauds keeper Gonda after nervy Vissel win

Thammasat: Michael Skibbe reserved special praise for goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda following Vissel Kobe’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Port FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Wednesday.

Yoshinori Muto scored the winner just after the hour mark after Ren Komatsu had given the Japanese side a 10th minute lead, only to deflect Issam Al Sabhi’s header in first half stoppage time past his own goalkeeper for the equaliser at the Thammasat Stadium.

Skibbe admitted that Vissel had survived a tough test against the Thai side.

Jeonbuk’s fighting spirit impresses Chung

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Jeonbuk’s fighting spirit impresses Chung

Jeonju: Head coach Chung Jung-yong praised Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC’s determination after the two-time champions came from behind to defeat Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Wednesday.

Kenshin Yuba’s fine individual effort gave the Japanese side a 30th minute lead but Tiago Orobo drew Jeonbuk level three minutes after the restart before substitute Italo struck the winner after coming off the bench in the 69th minute.

Chung was delighted with the response from his players after the interval, saying their ability to execute his tactical plan had been key to the turnaround.

Ivic: Victory a morale booster for Al Ain

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Ivic: Victory a morale booster for Al Ain

Al Ain: Vladimir Ivic said Al Ain FC's victory against Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday was a morale booster for the UAE side.

The former continental champions cruised to a 4-0 win against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr with Ivic saying the win showed what his side can do. 

Inzaghi urges Al Hilal to keep pushing hard

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Inzaghi urges Al Hilal to keep pushing hard

Riyadh: Simone Inzaghi wants Al Hilal SFC to focus on maintaining their fiery start to the season following their 2-1 win against Al Gharafa SC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Tuesday.

Ruben Never's first-half penalty and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's strike in the 72nd minute secured the win for the four-time Asian champions.

Silva proud of Buriram resilience

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Silva proud of Buriram resilience

Iskandar Puteri: Mario Silva hailed Buriram United’s resilience after the Thai champions overcame a second half red card to secure a 1-1 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Tuesday.

Silva, who took charge of his first continental match for Buriram,  saw his side withstand sustained pressure after Kenny Dougall was dismissed in the 57th minute, with goalkeeper Neil Etheridge producing a crucial late penalty save to secure a point.