Mixed feelings for Ismoilov, Nekounam

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Mixed feelings for Ismoilov, Nekounam

Muscat: Javad Nekounam and Islombek Ismoilov had plenty on their minds after Tractor FC and PFC Neftchi shared an enthralling 2-2 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Monday.

Tractor fought back to draw level twice with Masoud Zaerkazemayn netting in the ninth minute of added time to salvage a point for the Islamic Republic of Iran side, with Nekounam acknowledging the reaction shown by his team.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-tractor-fc-irn-2-2-pfc-neftchi-uzb

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3202554

Vitoria urges more from Al Wasl after Air Force thriller

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Vitoria urges more from Al Wasl after Air Force thriller

Dubai: Al Wasl head coach Rui Vitoria called for a sharper defensive display despite their win over Air Force SC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

While Vitoria commended Al Wasl’s free-flowing attacking display which yielded three goals in the first half, but the Portuguese tactician was equally critical of his side for conceding three in a tie they won 4-3.

Lucescu, Pusic rue missed chances

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Lucescu, Pusic rue missed chances

Doha: Al Sadd SC head coach Razvan Lucescu and his Al Ahli Saudi FC counterpart Marino Pusic did not hide their disappointment after the sides played to a goalless draw in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

The result earned Al Sadd only the second point of their campaign with defending champions Al Ahli,  who are unbeaten, are six ahead after four matches.

Rampant Al Nassr please Postecoglou

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Rampant Al Nassr please Postecoglou

Tashkent: Ange Postecoglou was in no doubt that Al Nassr Club richly deserved victory against Pakhtakor in what could have been a tricky AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ clash on Monday.

With their opponents having already taken draws from Al Qadsiah Club and Al Ahli Saudi FC, the Australian tactician was delighted to see his side not fall into the same trap, with Al Nassr roaring to a 6-2 win despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence.

Ivic hails Al Ain’s versatility

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Ivic hails Al Ain’s versatility

Jeddah: Al Ain FC head coach Vladimir Ivic praised his side’s versatility after they defeated Al Ittihad Club 4-1 on Monday to maintain their perfect start to the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™.

Al Ain remained firmly in control throughout the contest to seal their fourth win on the trot with Ivic praising his side’s ability to adapt to Al Ittihad’s tactical approach. 

Al Qadsiah live up to Rodgers’ expectations

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Al Qadsiah live up to Rodgers’ expectations

Al Rayyan: Head coach Brendan Rodgers lauded Al Qadsiah Club’s intensity after their 5-0 win over Al Gharafa SC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

A dominant first half put the Saudi Arabia side in control as they secured the second win of their campaign with Rodgers pleased with his players’ ability to sustain their attacking intensity throughout the match.