Matchday Two: Facts & Figures

Fri, 16 Oct, 2026

Matchday Two: 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 did their best to boost their hopes of progression.

There were, however, highs and lows and the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures from a pulsating round of action.

Skibbe pleased as Kobe withstand Jeonbuk challenge

Thu, 15 Oct, 2026

Skibbe pleased as Kobe withstand Jeonbuk challenge

Kobe: Michael Skibbe praised his Vissel Kobe players for overcoming a stern test from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC to secure a 2-0 win in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Wednesday.

Yuya Osako’s early opener and Yuya Kuwasaki’s second-half strike sealed the points at Misaki Park Stadium, with Kobe having to withstand sustained pressure from the K League 1 champions to register their second consecutive victory.

Rodriguez applauds Kashiwa’s flying start

Thu, 15 Oct, 2026

Rodriguez applauds Kashiwa’s flying start

Kashiwa: Head coach Ricardo Rodriguez credited Kashiwa Reysol’s blistering start for their 5-1 win over Thailand’s Port FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027™ on Wednesday.

Five different players scored inside the opening 30 minutes as the Japanese side secured their first victory of the campaign, leaving Port with two defeats.

Kashima’s grit earns Oniki’s praise

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Kashima’s grit earns Oniki’s praise

Toru Oniki was pleased to see Kashima Antlers pass a tough Cong An Ha Noi FC test on Tuesday, with the head coach praising his players for finding a way through a demanding AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ fixture.

Nguyen Abou Leygley Minh’s 61st-minute own goal settled a hard-fought encounter as Kashima moved onto six points from two matches, following their opening win over Newcastle Jets FC.

Jardine hails Shabab’s brilliance; Ittihad’s Wissing laments slow start

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Jardine hails Shabab’s brilliance; Ittihad’s Wissing laments slow start

Jeddah: Andre Jardine was in no doubt that Shabab Al Ahli deserved the points after they battled to a 2-1 win against Al Ittihad Club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

The Brazilian knew his team would come under pressure but remained calm as the players executed their counter attacking tactics to perfection to be one of only four teams left in the West Zone with maximum points after two rounds of matches.

Inzaghi: Al Hilal’s homework paid off

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Inzaghi: Al Hilal’s homework paid off

Doha: Simone Inzaghi knew exactly what paved the way for Al Hilal SFC’s 2-0 win against Al Sadd SC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ match on Tuesday.

Having played Al Ittihad Club on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League, the Italian tactician relied on tactics born from work done off the field as goals from Ollie Watkins and Ruben Neves secured them a second successive win.