AFC Champions League Elite
Below is a shortlist drawn from the Player of the Match winners - now it’s over to you to pick your favourite from the best of the best.
Feras Al Brikan – Al Ahli Saudi FC
The reigning champions needed a moment of inspiration and, once again, Al Brikan delivered. The 2000-born centre-forward pounced on the rebound after Nazarov had kept out Eduard Spertsyan's effort, clipping the ball past the goalkeeper in the third minute of stoppage time to rescue a point.
Zoran Marusic – PFC Neftchi
A late header from the experienced forward earned PFC Neftchi a 1-0 victory over Iraq's Air Force FC, giving the Uzbekistan side a winning start to their AFC Champions League Elite™ campaign.
Yuri César – Shabab Al Ahli
Last season's semi-finalists began their campaign with a win, thanks to the UAE winger. He reacted quickest to a loose ball on the left before steering a composed finish from just outside the six-yard box into the bottom-right corner.
Baghdad Bounedjah – Al Shamal SC
Bounedjah looked to have delivered a dream debut for Al Shamal when his 63rd-minute strike put the Qatari side on course for their first-ever three points in the continental championship. However, Georginio Wijnaldum struck virtually with the last kick of the game to salvage a point for former champions Al Ittihad.
Saeid Saharkhizan – Esteghlal FC
The Iranian centre-forward gave Esteghlal the perfect start to the second half against star-studded Al Sadd, doubling the lead just two minutes after the restart. He latched on to Asani's through ball, evaded Paulo Otavio and drilled his finish through Barsham's legs into the left corner.
Julián Quiñones – Al Qadsiah Club
Al Qadsiah Club enjoyed a dream debut with a 2-1 victory over Al Wasl FC, and Quinones set the tone with an opening goal of real quality.
Houssine Rahimi – Al Ain FC
The younger Rahimi stole the spotlight with a brace as Al Ain FC stunned a star-studded Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club 4-0 in their opening match.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Al Hilal SFC
The giant Serbian rose above everyone to power home a fine header and double Al Hilal's lead against a tough Al Gharafa SC. His goal ultimately proved decisive as Al Hilal secured victory, with Alaaeddin Hasan's spectacular effort later reduced to a consolation.
Aleksandar Cavric – Kashima Antlers
Cavric announced Kashima Antlers' return to continental football in style, scoring a hat-trick as the 2018 champions and marking their first appearance on the continental stage since 2019. Homare Tokuda also added a brace in the big win.
Anton Krivotsyuk – Daejeon Hana Citizen FC
The Azerbaijan international impressed with his defensive work to keep Daejeon Hana Citizen FC in control before Victor Bobsin's 78th-minute volley finally broke the deadlock and sealed victory for the Korea Republic side.
Takashi Usami – Gamba Osaka
A true leader without the armband, Usami inspired a slow-starting Gamba Osaka to a 4-1 victory over Cong An Ha Noi FC in the opening tie at Suita City Football Stadium.
Prince Ampem – Shanghai Port FC
The hat-trick hero produced three memorable finishes, striking in the 31st and 36th minutes before completing his treble in the first minute of first-half stoppage time as Kevin Muscat's side collected all three points against the Thai League 1 outfit.
Oscar Arribas – Johor Darul Ta'zim
With 22 yards between him and goal, Arribas unleashed a thunderous strike that was too powerful for Neil Etheridge to handle, with the goalkeeper only able to palm the effort into his own net.
Jeremy Dudziak – Beijing FC
Dudziak helped ensure the Chinese Super League champions left with their first three points, striking a minute into the second half to restore a two-goal advantage by lashing the ball home from close range during a goalmouth scramble.
Tiago Orobó – Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC
Two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC came from a goal down to defeat Kashiwa Reysol 2-1, with Tiago's early second-half equaliser sparking the comeback and setting the stage for victory.
Peeradol Chamrasamee – Port FC
Despite Port FC's 2-1 defeat to last season's semi-finalists Vissel Kobe, the 34-year-old midfielder was a tireless presence throughout the contest, earning recognition as the Player of the Match despite his side's narrow loss.
Your vote decides. Pick your Player of the Match for Matchday 1, share your choice on the AFC LIVE app, and check back for the winner on the-AFC.com.
Poll ends 25 September, 17:00 (UTC+8)
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