AFC Champions League Elite
The-AFC.com highlights five takeaways after an exhilarating round of matches.
#ACLElite | Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)
Al Ahli set to be challenged
Al Ahli Saudi FC's bid for an unprecedented third title will not be a walk in the park, if the opening matchday is any indication. The defending champions needed a stoppage time goal from Feras Al Brikan to salvage a point against Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor and will know that every match ahead will test their capabilities.
#ACLElite | Kashima Antlers (JPN) 7-1 Newcastle Jets FC (AUS)
Kashima the real deal
Kashima Antlers' J1 League campaign may not be going according to plan but the former Asian champions produced an impressive performance in their opener, hitting Newcastle Jets 7-1 with Aleksandar Cavric netting a hat-trick. Back in the top tier of Asian club football for the first time since 2019, Kashima look well equipped for a title challenge.
#ACLElite | Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 2-1 Al Gharafa SC (QAT)
Cautious Al Hilal
Al Hilal SFC kicked off their campaign with victory against Al Gharafa SC but the four-time Asian champions are unlikely to get carried away, especially after heartbreak suffered in the last two seasons. The Saudi Pro League side topped the League Stage in both editions but fell by the wayside in the knockout stage, a scenario they will be determined to avoid.
#ACLElite | Beijing FC (CHN) 3-1 FC Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Positive start for China PR clubs
Shanghai Port FC and Beijing FC kicked off their campaigns with morale-boosting victories as they look to advance to the Round of 16 to make up for tough 2025/26. None of the three China PR clubs advanced from the League Stage last season but the Matchday One wins will give them hope of better outcomes this year.
#ACLElite | Ratchaburi FC (THA) 4-6 Shanghai Port FC (CHN)
Goal-den harvest
A whopping 55 goals were scored on the opening matchday, with the Ratchaburi FC-Shanghai Port game alone producing an astonishing 10. Having been served a fiesta of goals, fans will certainly expect more on Matchday Two in three weeks.
