MD1: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) 1-1 FC Seoul (KOR)

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

MD1: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) 1-1 FC Seoul (KOR)

Machida: Japan international wingback Henry Mochizuki scored 10 minutes from time to earn AFC Champions League Elite™ debutants Machida Zelvia a 1-1 draw with FC Seoul at Machida Stadium in their opening game of the 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who made his Samurai Blue debut at the E-1 EAFF Championship during the summer, struck from close range to cancel out Marko Dugandzic’s 59th minute effort as the teams shared the points in the eastern league phase opener.

 

The J1 League side had been on top for much of the encounter but needed Mochizuki’s late equaliser to take a point with Go Kuroda’s side unable to turn their superiority into goals.

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MD1: Gangwon FC (KOR) 2-1 Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN)

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

MD1: Gangwon FC (KOR) 2-1 Shanghai Shenhua FC (CHN)

Chuncheon: Gangwon FC made a dream continental debut as they came from behind to edge Shanghai Shenhua FC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 League Stage tie on Tuesday.

Chung Kyung-ho’s side sounded a warning that they are not here to just make up the numbers, dominating from start to finish in a truly memorable outing at the Chuncheon Songam Sports Town Stadium.

MD1: Melbourne City FC (AUS) 0-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

MD1: Melbourne City FC (AUS) 0-2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)

Melbourne: Second half goals from Marcos Junior and Yotaro Nakajima earned Sanfrecce Hiroshima a winning start to the eastern league phase in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 on Tuesday as Michael Skibbe’s side sealed a 2-0 victory over hosts Melbourne City.

Marcos Junior struck from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute and Nakajima confirmed the J1 League side would take the points back to Japan with a brave header nine minutes from time.

 

Hiroshima claimed the win with an improved performance after the interval, with neither side impressing in the first 45 minutes on a slick Melbourne Rectangular Stadium pitch that had endured a pregame deluge.

Al Ahli showed great character, says Jaissle

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Al Ahli showed great character, says Jaissle

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle was full of praise for Al Ahli Saudi FC after they turned defeat to victory in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 opener on Monday.

The German tactician admitted the defending champions were second best in the first half, allowing Khusain Norchaev to net a brace for the Uzbekistan outfit, before putting on a show to walk away with a 4-2 win.

Soliman, Sanchez satisfied with stalemate

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Soliman, Sanchez satisfied with stalemate

Baghdad: Al Shorta’s Moamen Soliman and Felix Sanchez of Al Sadd SC preferred to look at the positives after their sides shared a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 clash on Monday.

Soliman, in particular, drew encouragement from the performance of Al Shorta who were not overawed by the occasion at Al Zawraa Stadium with his Iraqi side’s dominance in possession and shot count culminating in Dominique Mendy’s first half opener.

Tadic: Al Wahda must be sharper

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Tadic: Al Wahda must be sharper

Abu Dhabi: Dusan Tadic has called on Al Wahda FC to be more clinical in front of goal after their dramatic 2-1 win over 10-man Al Ittihad Club in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 opener at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Monday.

Midfielder Tadic put in a stellar performance with Lucas Pimenta netting a stoppage-time strike to seal a memorable victory over the reigning Saudi Arabian champions.