#ACLElite - Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

#ACLElite - Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 kicked off with a bang with thrill and spills witnessed across the 12 matches.

The-AFC.com highlights five takeaways from an exciting opening round of the League Stage.

Shin revels in Ulsan’s winning return

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Shin revels in Ulsan’s winning return

Ulsan: Head Shin Tae-yong praised Ulsan HD FC’s perseverance after his side came from behind to edge Chengdu Rongcheng 2-1 in dramatic fashion in their AFC Champions League Elite ™ 2025/26 opener on Wednesday.

The contest swung decisively in the closing minutes with Um Won-sang equalising before Heo Yool struck the winner deep in stoppage time, moments after Chengdu were reduced to 10 men.

Yoshida hails Vissel’s versatility, Port’s Muscat promises improvements

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Yoshida hails Vissel’s versatility, Port’s Muscat promises improvements

Shanghai: Vissel Kobe underlined their desire to improve on last season’s bitter exit from the AFC Champions League Elite™ as Takayuki Yoshida’s side kickstarted their 2025/26 campaign with an impressive 3-0 win against Shanghai Port on Wednesday.

Reigning J1 League champions Vissel were in their element at Pudong Football Stadium with an outstanding performance with goals from Erik, Taisei Miyashiro and Yuya Osako that drew plaudits from Yoshida.

Inzaghi hails Al Hilal’s spirit after Al Duhail heroics

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Inzaghi hails Al Hilal’s spirit after Al Duhail heroics

Riyadh: Simone Inzaghi praised Al Hilal SFC’s resilience after the Saudi Pro League side overturned a first half deficit to beat Al Duhail SC 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 opener on Tuesday.

Adil Boulbina gave the visitors a surprise lead but second-half goals from substitutes Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez sealed a winning start for the four-time winners.

Mixed feelings for Sousa, Skocic after stalemate

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Mixed feelings for Sousa, Skocic after stalemate

Dubai: Shabab Al Ahli head coach Paulo Sousa was encouraged by his side’s performance despite missed chances forcing them to share a 1-1 draw with Tractor FC in their opening AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 match on Tuesday.

Guilherme Bala’s second half strike cancelled out Tomislav Strkalj’s opener with Sousa happy with his UAE side’s performance given the difficult conditions.

Buriram’s adaptability secured win, says Vieira

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Buriram’s adaptability secured win, says Vieira

Buriram: Head coach Osmar Loss Vieira was proud of Buriram United’s ability to adapt after his side came from behind to defeat Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 opener on Tuesday.

Cristian Glauder had put the visitors in front in the 28th minute but Suphanat Muenta’s early second-half strike brought Buriram level before Rober Zulj netted the decisive goal in the 54th minute to seal the victory.