In the morning sunshine of August 23rd, the fire of Asian soccer was rekindled. Riyadh Victory defeated Dubai National in a thrilling 4-2 victory, marking the finalization of the 32-team Asian Champions League for the new season, with two of the biggest stars of the game, Cairo and Neymar, going head-to-head at the event. Notably, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan all fielded four teams, while Iran, Thailand and China each had three fighters join the fray. In the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Seaport regrettably failed to advance to the group stage, setting a record for the team's worst performance.
The play-offs were tight, with Incheon United defeating Haiphong 3-1 and Urawa Red Diamonds winning 3-0 against Richmond in the East Asian Division. Shanghai Harbour set a new record by losing to a Thai team for the first time in their history when they were defeated 2-3 at home by Pathum United. Zhejiang, on the other hand, beat Thai Harbor 1-0 with a goal.
Riyadh Victory, the favorites to win the title with a host of star players such as Crowe, Talisker, Mane and Browe, came close to being eliminated at one point. Chinese referee Fu Ming refused to award an obvious penalty in a controversial match. In the end, with a strong showing, Riyadh completed the comeback with victory.
Here is the full announcement of the Top 32 list:
[East Asia Region]
Tier 1: Ulsan Hyundai (KOR), Yokohama Marinos (JPN), Wuhan Sanzhen (CHN), Buriram United (THA), Jeonbuk Hyundai (KOR)
Second: Kofu Fung Lam (Japan), Shandong Taishan (China), Bangkok United (Thailand), Pohang Ironmen (South Korea), Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)
Third, Hanoi FC (Vietnam), Kaya FC (Philippines), JDT Johor (Malaysia), Lions City Mariners (Singapore), Melbourne City (Australia)
Tranche 4: Kitchee (Hong Kong, China), Zhejiang (China), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Pathum United (Thailand), Incheon United (Korea)
[Western Asia region]
Tier 1: Riyadh Crescent (Saudi Arabia), Iran Persepolis, Qatar, Tashkent Cotton Farmers (Uzbekistan), Jeddah United (Saudi Arabia)
Tranche 2: Mazandaran (Iran), Duhail (Qatar), Nassaf (Uzbekistan), Tollha (Saudi Arabia), Iran
Tranche 3: Al Faisaly Sports (Jordan), Dushanbe Independence (Tajikistan), Iraqi Air Force Baghdad, Al Ahar (Turkmenistan), Mumbai City (India)
Tranche 4: Al Ain (UAE), Namanganchun (Uzbekistan), Sharjah (UAE), Al Marek (Uzbekistan), Saudi Arabia win
According to the AFC, the draw for the AFC Champions League group stage will be held at 4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The draw will follow the principle of avoidance with the association teams. A total of 40 teams from the East and West zones will participate in the draw, with four teams in each group, Groups A-E in the West zone and Groups F-J in the East zone. Also, each group is ranked first, each group is ranked second, and each group is ranked third. A total of 16 teams advanced to the knockout rounds, which will be held from February to April next year.
