AFC Champions League Elite
Last season's AFC Champions League Two™ winners, Japan's Gamba are making a return to the top tier of Asian club football for the first time since 2021 while Cong An Ha Noi of Vietnam will be making their debut.
Despite meeting Cong An ha Noi for the first time, Gamba - who edged Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club 1-0 to lift the AFC Champions League Two title last season - will fancy their chances as they have a perfect record against Vietnamese opposition, scoring 20 goals across two games and conceding only one.
This will be Gamba Osaka’s 11th participation in the AFC Champions League Elite, joining Kawasaki Frontale as the sides from Japan with the most appearances. They have won their opening game of a campaign four times, including in each of their last two appearances.
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Cong An Ha Noi are the 10th side from Vietnam to play in the competition and will be looking to emulate Hoang Anh Gia Lai, who are the only team from the Southeast Asian nation to win their debut continental stage game.
Leading Cong An Ha Noi's attacking threat will be Alan Grafite, whose 16 goals in the V League 1 2025-26 earned him the top scorer accolade.
Gamba Osaka (JPN) v Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)
Venue: Suita City Football Stadium (Suita)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 19:00 (UTC+9)
Photo: Gamba Osaka
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