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.

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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. 

Milojevic hails resilient Sharjah; Martins rues Al Gharafa’s missed chances

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Milojevic hails resilient Sharjah; Martins rues Al Gharafa’s missed chances

Sharjah: Head coach Milos Milojevic praised Sharjah FC’s spirit and determination after the UAE side came from two goals down to beat Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC 4-3 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 opener on Monday.

The Emirati leveled the tie through Rey Manaj at the Sharjah Stadium before finding an extra gear to snatch the dramatic win, with Igor Coronado scoring the winner deep into added time with a cool finish.