Europe Wrap: Asia’s best in winning form

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Europe Wrap: Asia’s best in winning form

Kuala Lumpur: There were goals and assists aplenty for Asia’s top stars, including first strikes of the season for Japan international Takuma Asano and Australian international Apostolos Stamatelopoulos as well as his countryman John Koutroumbis.

The Asian contingent also played their part as their teams went through ups and downs in major European leagues, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3117931

Preview: Al Ittihad Club (KSA) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Preview: Al Ittihad Club (KSA) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Jeddah: Al Ittihad Club's return to the AFC Champions League Elite™ did not go as planned, with the Saudi Pro League side suffering a shock defeat to UAE's Al Wahda FC two weeks ago and they will be determined to redeem themselves on Tuesday.

The reigning Saudi Arabia champions face another UAE side in Shabab Al Ahli, who can expect Al Ittihad to come charging at them from the first blow of the referee's whistle.

Preview: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Preview: Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Sharjah FC (UAE)

Doha: Having needed to come from behind to salvage a point in their opening AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 tie, Al Sadd SC will be focused on not slipping up against Sharjah FC on Tuesday.

Hassan Al Haydos' second half strike rescued Al Sadd against Iraq's Al Shorta and the Qatari side will be wary of the challenge UAE's Sharjah will pose.

Preview: Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Preview: Chengdu Rongcheng FC (CHN) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Chengdu: Chengdu Rongcheng will look to carry their domestic form onto the continental stage when they host Gangwon FC in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 on Tuesday.

Despite being in fine form domestically, the China PR side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ulsan HD in their League Stage opener while Gangwon beat Shanghai Shenhua by the same score line.

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)

Iskandar Puteri: Johor Darul Ta'zim will expect to hit the ground running when they host FC Machida Zelvia in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 on Tuesday.

The Malaysian side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Thailand's Buriram United in their opening tie while Japan's Machida played to a 1-1 draw with FC Seoul of Korea Republic.

Preview: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Tue, 30 Sep, 2025

Preview: Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) v Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Hiroshima: Sanfrecce Hiroshima will aim to inflict more pain on Shanghai Port FC when the sides clash in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 on Tuesday.

Japan's Sanfrecce kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Melbourne City FC while Shanghai Port suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat against Vissel Kobe.