Suzuki: Sanfrecce Hiroshima can win the title

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Suzuki: Sanfrecce Hiroshima can win the title

Hiroshima: Akito Suzuki is confident Sanfrecce Hiroshima have the credentials to challenge for the AFC Champions League Elite ™ title after his brace inspired a 2-1 comeback win over Johor Darul Ta’zaim on Tuesday.

Making his first appearance on the continental stage, Suzuki delivered a solid performance as Hiroshima recovered from conceding an early goal to seal their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare. 

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Skibbe pleased as Vissel kick off season in style

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Skibbe pleased as Vissel kick off season in style

Kobe: Michael Skibbe was delighted to see his Vissel Kobe side qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 following a 2-0 win against FC Seoul on Tuesday.

The victory confirmed Vissel Kobe’s second successive appearance in the Round of 16 but the German tactician admitted it was achieved with some difficulty due in part to the busy schedule ahead.

Kuroda proud as Machida achieve target

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Kuroda proud as Machida achieve target

Shanghai: FC Machida Zelvia’s fairy-tale debut in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ continues as the Japanese side secured qualification to the Round of 16 with head coach Go Kuroda expressing his delight at the achievement.

Machida capped an impressive continental debut with a 2-0 against China PR’s Shanghai Shenhua FC on Tuesday to take them up 14 points, with Kuroda pinpointing Yuki Soma’s third minute opener from the penalty spot as being crucial to the win.

Jackson applauds Buriram’s resilience

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Jackson applauds Buriram’s resilience

Chengdu: Mark Jackson showered praise on his Buriram United players after their 1-0 win against China PR’s Chengdu Rongcheng FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Tuesday moved the Thailand side closer to a place in the Round of 16.

In a game where Chengdu dominated possession, Buriram had to dig deep to get the win and Jackson was proud of how his charges managed the situation in front of over 40,000 fans at Phoenix Hill Sports Park Football Stadium.

Al Sadd’s Mancini keeps qualification faith

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Al Sadd’s Mancini keeps qualification faith

Doha: Roberto Mancini is hopeful that Al Sadd SC’s 2-0 win against Tractor FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ will be the tonic for the Qatari side to book a spot in the Round of 16.

Victory saw Al Sadd climb up to eighth in the West Zone standings, the final qualifying position and Mancini is determined to make sure the 2011 champions don’t slip up.

Conceicao delighted as Al Ittihad hit top form

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026

Conceicao delighted as Al Ittihad hit top form

Jeddah: Sergio Conceicao hailed a complete performance after Al Ittihad powered into the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 with a commanding 7-0 victory over Al Gharafa SC on Tuesday.

A relentless Al Ittihad overwhelmed the Qatari side to move to 12 points, a tally that guarantees a top-eight finish in the league stage regardless of next week’s results.