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#ACLElite - Matchday 8: What they said

Fri, 20 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite - Matchday 8: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: There was qualification joy for some while the journey of several others ended as the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ came to a conclusion this past week.

Several sides showcased their title credentials while some were just glad to qualify and the-AFC.com listened to what was said after 12 intense matches across the continent.

#ACLElite - League Stage in numbers

Fri, 20 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite - League Stage in numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ is heading into the business end following the conclusion of the League Stage this past week.

As the remaining 16 teams plot the next phase of their challenge, the-AC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the highly thrilling League Stage.

AFC Champions League Elite - Downloads

Chung hails Gangwon’s resilience; Melbourne's Vidmar pleased with finish

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

Chung hails Gangwon’s resilience; Melbourne's Vidmar pleased with finish

Melbourne: Gangwon head coach Chung Kyung-ho expressed pride after Gangwon FC secured a place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 on Wednesday. 

A disciplined defensive display saw Chung's side hold Melbourne City FC to an away draw as debutants Gangwon advanced at the expense of fellow Korea Republic side and two-time winners Ulsan HD FC. 

Ulsan’s Kim sees hope despite exit

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

Ulsan’s Kim sees hope despite exit

Shanghai: Head coach Kim Hyeon-seog chose to look at the positives after his Ulsan HD FC’s goalless draw with Shanghai Port FC on Wednesday meant elimination from the AFC Champions League Two  2025/26™.

The two-time champions were pipped to the final Round of 16 spot by Gangwon FC, with their fellow Korea Republic side advancing on superior goal difference. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-shanghai-port-fc-chn-0-0-ulsan-hd-fc-kor

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-melbourne-city-fc-aus-0-0-gangwon-fc-kor

#ACLElite - Round of 16 cast finalised

Wed, 18 Feb, 2026

#ACLElite - Round of 16 cast finalised

Kuala Lumpur: The stage is set for the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ following the conclusion of the League Stage on Wednesday.

The first leg of the Round of 16 ties will be played between March 2 and 4, with the return leg to be contested a week later.

MD8: Melbourne City FC (AUS) 0-0 Gangwon FC (KOR)

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

MD8: Melbourne City FC (AUS) 0-0 Gangwon FC (KOR)

Melbourne: Gangwon FC squeezed into the last 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday as a 0-0 draw with Melbourne City took Chung Kyung-ho’s side through at the expense of fellow K League 1 side Ulsan HD FC.

The result, coupled with Ulsan’s 0-0 draw with Shanghai Port FC in the remaining match in the eastern league phase, means Gangwon finish eighth in the standings and will take on FC Machida Zelvia of Japan in the last 16 next month.

Melbourne City, who had already confirmed their progress to the next stage ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, finished in fifth position in the 12-team standings to set up a home-and-away clash with Buriram United in the Round of 16.

MD8: Shanghai Port FC (CHN) 0-0 Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

MD8: Shanghai Port FC (CHN) 0-0 Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Shanghai: Ulsan HD FC crashed out of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after only managing a 0-0 draw with Shanghai Port FC at the Pudong Football Stadium on Wednesday. 

The result saw the former champions missing out on the Round of 16 on goal difference to fellow Korea Republic side Gangwon FC, with both finishing on nine points. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/md8-melbourne-city-fc-aus-v-gangwon-fc-kor

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/md8-shanghai-port-fc-chn-v-ulsan-hd-fc-kor