AFC Champions League
It has been a season like no other with global superstars debuting in the continental competition which as usual delivered outstanding moments over the course of the season.
After the conclusion of another thrilling edition, the-AFC.com picks the Magic Moments and asks you, the fans, to cast your vote for the favourite.
After the conclusion of another thrilling edition, the-AFC.com picks the Magic Moments and asks you, the fans, to cast your vote for the favourite.
Al Ain complete their story
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Al Ain Complete their Story
Inaugural champions of the revamped AFC Champions League in 2003, it would take the Emirati side nearly 21 years to return to the winners’ podium.
Two runner-up finishes came in 2005 and 2016 but it was fitting that in the tournament’s last final in its current format Al Ain would emerge triumphant and complete the circle as both the first and last winners with their 6-3 aggregate victory over Marinos.
Rahimi’s remarkable campaign
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Rahimi's Remarkable Campaign
Tournament Top Scorer and MVP Soufiane Rahimi ran the show for Al Ain. In the quarter-finals, he netted three times to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, while in the semi-finals, Rahimi once again delivered with a stunning hat-trick to oust Al Hilal SFC.
And even better was to come. After a 2-1 defeat in Yokohama, the Moroccan scored the opening goal in Al Ain to level the scores on aggregate before his second put his side back in front after Yan Matheus had restored parity for the visitors.
Uenaka announces himself on the Asian stage
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Uenaka announces himself on the Asian Stage
Having made his AFC Champions League debut this season, Asahi Uenaka went on to play a crucial role in the latter stages for Yokohama F. Marinos. And it was the semi-final second leg against Ulsan Hyundai where he first hit the headlines.
After opening the scoring early on at Yokohama International Stadium, the 22-year-old then extended his side’s lead with a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box. Uenaka was also on target in the first leg of the final, but it was his semi-final heroics that will live longer in the memory.
CR7 rolls back the clock
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - CR7 Rolls Back the Clock
One of the most iconic footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo brought his aura to the AFC Champions League with Al Nassr, as football fans all across the globe were in anticipation to see how he would fare in his first stint outside Europe.
The Portuguese superstar rolled back the clock in his third group stage appearance against Al Duhail when he picked the ball up outside the box and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner in a goal reminiscent of years gone by at some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Mikael’s spectacular bicycle kick
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Mikael Spectacular Bicycle Kick
Another jaw-dropping goal was scored by Kitchee SC’s Mikael Severo against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Trailing 1-0 and with Jeonbuk pushing for a second, Mikael stunned those in attendance with a moment of acrobatics.
After Jeonbuk failed to clear the ball, it looped up towards the left side of the box and despite a narrow angle, Mikael’s bicycle kick went over the goalkeeper and into the net to level proceedings in remarkable fashion.
Al Dawsari lobs home
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Long-range Chip? No Problem for Salem
Al Hilal travelled to Uzbekistan on Matchday Five having been held to a shock draw by their hosts Navbahor in their opener. Once again, the debutants showed resilience to hold out until Malcom opened the scoring in the 68th minute and it was a familiar face who sealed the victory with a bit of a swagger.
In the 85th minute, reigning AFC Player of the Year Salem Al-Dawsari spotted the keeper off his line and scored with an exquisite lob from distance, adding to his collection of special goals throughout his illustrious career.
Mahmoud Eid’s last-gasp equaliser
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Mahmoud Eid’s Last-gasp Equaliser
Up against Yokohama F. Marinos in the Round of 16, it was always going to be a difficult test for a Bangkok United side returning to the competition after a gap of 16 years. Marinos raced into a two-goal lead at Thammasat Stadium courtesy of Elber and Kota Watanabe before Nitipong Selanon’s strike gave the Thai hosts hope.
With the first leg into the dying stages, Selanon delivered an inviting cross which Palestinian forward Mahmoud Eid headed into the net in the 92nd minute to spark jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
Jadson completes phenomenal comeback
ACL Magic Moment of the Season - Jadson Completes Phenomenal Comeback
Trailing Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 after the Round of 16 1st leg in Jinan, Shandong Taishan knew that nothing less than their best would be enough to topple the J1 League club at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium.
After a topsy-turvy contest saw the aggregate score at 5-5 and the game seemingly heading for extra time, a 97th-minute corner caused mayhem in the Kawasaki box and Jadson came up with an improvised finish to send Shandong into the quarter-finals in a thrilling conclusion to the tie.
Poll ends at 22:00 (UTC+8) on June 7
