The inaugural AFC Champions League Elite is already at its halfway juncture, with the revamped format ushering in a new era of thrilling continental football. As the dust settles on the first four matchdays, several sides have staked their claim as serious title contenders. Let’s take a closer look at the teams turning heads in both the West and East regions.
West Region Powerhouses
Al Hilal Leading the Charge
Saudi giants Al Hilal have wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing out to a perfect record through four matches. Even with talisman Neymar sidelined for much of the campaign, the team’s attacking riches have shone through. Strikers Aleksandar Mitrović and Salem Al-Dawsari have tallied four goals apiece, powering Al Hilal to the top of the West region standings.
Al Hilal are determined to make amends for last season’s semifinal heartbreak. They’ve looked unstoppable so far.
– AFC Champions League pundit
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Finding Form
After a sluggish start, Al Nassr have hit their stride, reeling off three straight wins. Cristiano Ronaldo has begun to silence his doubters, proving he still has match-winning quality even at 39. With Sadio Mané also in the fold, Al Nassr boast a star-studded attack that could propel them to ACL Elite glory.
Al Ahli’s Sturdy Defense
Rounding out the trio of perfect Saudi sides is Al Ahli, who have conceded a meager two goals. Summer signings Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessié have bolstered an already talented squad. Once striker Ivan Toney fully settles, expect Al Ahli to pose a major threat.
Al Sadd Carrying Qatar’s Hopes
Flying the flag for Qatar, Al Sadd remain unbeaten and primed to prevent an all-Saudi hegemony. With Akram Afif pulling the strings and a resolute back line marshaled by Romain Saïss, write off the Wolves at your peril.
Eastern Promise
JDT Pace Setting
Over in the East region, Malaysian outfit Johor Darul Ta’zim are making waves. Crushing wins over Shanghai Shenhua and Ulsan have JDT fans dreaming of a deep run. Winger Arif Aiman has been the breakout star, notching four goals and several man-of-the-match displays.
Gwangju’s Cinderella Story
The revelation of the tournament has undoubtedly been South Korea’s plucky Gwangju FC. The ACL debutants sit second, just a point off the summit. Striker Jasir Asani‘s six goals have him in pole position for MVP honors. Manager Lee Jung-Hyo is drawing rave reviews for his attack-minded philosophy and ability to get the best out of an unheralded squad.
Don’t Sleep on Buriram
Thai champions Buriram United are in the thick of the East region race with seven points from four outings. The addition of veteran goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has stabilized an already robust defense. Buriram’s scintillating front three of Supachai Jaided, Lucas Crispim, and Guilherme Bissoli have the guile to unlock any opposition.
Vissel Kobe’s Winning Pedigree
Perched atop the East on goal difference are Japanese title-holders Vissel Kobe. The Ushi have conceded just once in racing to three wins from four. A battle-hardened spine featuring Yuya Osako and Yoshinori Muto provides a perfect platform for Vissel’s technical wizardry in the final third. They could be poised to better their 2020 semifinal run.
With so many heavyweights jostling for position, the 2023-24 AFC Champions League Elite is shaping up to be a fascinating battle for the ages. Can the West region dominance continue, or will an Eastern underdog gatecrash the party? One thing’s for sure: the second half of the league stage will be compelling viewing for fans across the continent and beyond.
