From usual suspects to debutants, Japan's contenders make strong start to new ACL Elite season
The J1 League's representatives look set to once again dominate the East region of the AFC Champions League Elite.
JDT yet to figure out how to get one over Buriram in ever-growing ASEAN rivalry
At the fourth time of asking, Johor Darul Ta'zim are yet to figure out a way to get one over Buriram United.
New ACL Elite season raises same question: can the SPL giants be denied?
The Saudi Pro League's representatives look set to dominate the AFC Champions League Elite once more this season.
Toney: The way we've been treated motivates us (0:53)
Shandong handed two-year ban after ACL no-show
Shandong Taishan have been banned from continental competition until the 2027-28 season after a no-show in February.
With one eye on continental repeat, Sailors' recruitment overdrive continues with Lopes capture
A busy offseason for Lion City Sailors has continued with their latest signing: free-scoring Brazilian Anderson Lopes.
Safuwan signing, impending Anderson Lopes arrival shows Sailors not resting on laurels
Coming off a history-making season, Lion City Sailors are not wasting time in making big moves for the new campaign.
Behind Kōta Takai's rapid three-year rise to the Premier League with Tottenham
In the span of three years, Kōta Takai has gone from making his professional debut to signing for Tottenham.
How Simone Inzaghi has already made an impact on Al Hilal (1:03)
Bounou's penalty heroics thwart Spain's finest again as Al Hilal make statement with Real draw
A crucial penalty save by Yassine Bounou helped Al Hilal claim an impressive draw with Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Asia already faces uphill battle at Club World Cup after opening losses for Urawa, Ulsan
Asian football is already facing an uphill battle at the Club World Cup after opening losses for Urawa and Ulsan.
Firmino, Mendy and Mahrez bask in glory of historic UEFA-AFC Champions League double
Three of Al Ahli's biggest stars have become the first players to win both the UEFA and AFC Champions League.
Never taking their eyes off the prize, Al Ahli are champions of Asia at long last
After losing two finals previously, Al Ahli are finally champions of Asia after beating Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.
Firmino captains Al Ahli to 1st Asian CL title
Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli beat Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to win the Asian Champions League Elite title for the first time at a raucous King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Al Ahli carrying Saudi expectations in AFC Champions League Elite final
Al Ahli and Kawasaki Frontale chase their first continental crown in the AFC Champions League Elite final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Kawasaki believe ACL Elite final vs. Al Ahli will be won with feet, not wallets
Coming up against Al Nassr's expensively-assembled squad in the ACL Elite final will hardly faze Kawasaki Frontale.
Why Kawasaki are most-refreshing -- and unlikeliest -- of ACL Elite title contenders
Providing the ACL Elite with a breath of fresh air, Kawasaki Frontale might just be the unlikeliest of title contenders.
How it all went wrong for Ronaldo, Al Nassr in shock ACL Elite exit
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr's dream of reaching the ACL Elite final has come to an end -- so where did it go wrong?
Ronaldo's trophy wait goes on after ACL Elite exit
Cristiano Ronaldo's wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia is set to continue as Al-Nassr lost 3-2 to Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League semifinals on Wednesday.
Ronaldo, Al Nassr upstaged as Kawasaki go from supporting role to star turn
Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr were meant to be the star act of the ACL Elite -- only to be upstaged by Kawasaki Frontale.
Japanese side dump Ronaldo, Al Nassr from ACL
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr were dumped out of the Asian Champions League Elite as Japan's Kawasaki Frontale spectacularly ripped up the script with a 3-2 semifinal victory on Wednesday to reach the continental final for the first time.
Substance prevails over style as Al Ahli pip Al Hilal to ACL Elite final
Al Ahli's victory over Al Hilal in the ACL Elite semifinals might just have been a case of substance trumping style.
Record champions Al Hilal get taste of their own medicine as Al Ahli reach ACL Elite final
Record four-time champions Al Hilal have been eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite by a 3-1 loss to Al Ahli.
Firmino, Toney goals send Al Ahli to ACL final
Al Ahli beat 10-man Al Hilal in a battle of Saudi Pro League sides in Jeddah on Tuesday to earn a spot in Saturday's Asian Champions League final.
AFC Champions League Elite Standings
| Group East | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vissel Kobe | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Gangwon FC | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Ulsan HD | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Buriram United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Machida Zelvia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| FC Seoul | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Shanghai Shenhua | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Chengdu Rongcheng | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Melbourne City FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
| Shanghai Port | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -3 | 0 |
| Group West | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Al Ahli | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Sharjah | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Al Hilal | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Al-Wahda | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Al Sadd | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Shabab Al-Ahli | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Al-Shorta | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Traktor Sazi FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Al Gharafa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Al Duhail | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Al Ittihad | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Nasaf Quarshi | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |