Matchday Three: Facts & Figures

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Matchday Three: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ witnessed another round of scintillating action over the past week as the 32 teams left no stone unturned in the bid to boost their Round of 16 hopes.

The-AFC.com takes a look at several facts and figures that caught the eye.

Oniki hails Kashima’s collective effort

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Oniki hails Kashima’s collective effort

Kashima: Toru Oniki praised his players’ patience after Kashima Antlers overcame FC Pohang Steelers 3-0 to register their third consecutive win in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2026/27 on Wednesday.

After successive J.League defeats, Kashima returned to winning ways with Ryuta Koike breaking the deadlock in the 69th minute before Aleksandar Cavric and Matheus Bueno sealed the victory.

Silva applauds Buriram resilience; Myojin rues Gamba’s missed chances

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Silva applauds Buriram resilience; Myojin rues Gamba’s missed chances

Suita: Mario Silva praised Buriram United’s defensive resilience after the Thailand side held Gamba Osaka to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2026/27 tie on Wednesday.

Eduardo Mancha put Buriram ahead before Takashi Usami’s second half equaliser, with Silva highlighting his players’ defensive discipline against last season’s AFC Champions League Two™ winners.

Prats hails Al Shamal’s focus after historic triumph over Al Hilal

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Prats hails Al Shamal’s focus after historic triumph over Al Hilal

Al Khor: David Prats credited Al Shamal’s discipline and tactical execution after the debutants defeated Al Hilal SFC 3-1 at Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday to claim their first AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ victory.

The result lifted the Qatari side to five points and sixth place in the West Zone standings, just one point behind Al Hilal, who saw their unbeaten run in the League Stage since the competition’s revamp come to an end.

Perfect Shabab Al Ahli delight Jardine

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Perfect Shabab Al Ahli delight Jardine

Dubai: Andre Jardine was delighted as Shabab Al Ahli made it a three wins on Tuesday, joining fellow United Arab Emirates side Al Ain FC as the only teams still perfect in the West Zone of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

The 2-0 victory against Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC, however, did not come easily and head coach Jardine was pleased to see how his players passed a stern test. 

Munoz’s tinkering pays off for JDT

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Munoz’s tinkering pays off for JDT

Iskandar Puteri: The ability of Johor Darul Ta’zim to switch things up was key to their 3-0 success against Port FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™, according to head coach Xisco Munoz.

Having controlled but without obtaining rewards in the first half, the Spanish tactician made tactical changes for the second half and it paid off handsomely for the Malaysian champions as goals from Jonathan Silva, Bergson and Stoichkov earned them a second League Stage win.