Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 got off to an emphatic start the past week as the continent's top 32 clubs went head to head.

The-AFC.com highlights five takeaways after an exhilarating round of matches.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa-1-1-pakhtakor-uzb

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-kashima-antlers-jpn-7-1-newcastle-jets-fc-aus

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-hilal-sfc-ksa-2-1-al-gharafa-sc-qat

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

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-ratchaburi-fc-tha-4-6-shanghai-port-fc-chn

#ACLTwo - MD1 In Numbers

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

#ACLTwo - MD1 In Numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The opening matchday of the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ more than lived up to expectations with thrills and spills witnessed across the eight groups.

The 32 teams spared no effort in trying to get their campaigns off to resounding starts and the-AFC.com highlights several interesting facts and figures from a pulsating matchday.

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.

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.