Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Buriram United have emerged as Southeast Asia's flagbearers in the prestigious AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite. Both teams have secured their spots in the round of 16, ensuring they remain in the continental spotlight. The competition slots in the ACL Elite are determined based on the AFC member association's respective club competitions ranking. This year, JDT and Buriram United have successfully navigated the group stages, continuing to represent Southeast Asia with pride.
JDT has demonstrated remarkable consistency, having clinched ten consecutive Malaysia Super League titles. Their recent performance in the ACL Elite saw them produce a spirited comeback against Pohang Steelers, scoring three goals to take control of the game. This marks another significant milestone for JDT, who reached the last 16 of the ACL for the first time in 2022.
Meanwhile, Buriram United, Thailand's reigning champions for three seasons running, are on track to continue their domestic dominance. In their ACL Elite campaign, Buriram United showcased their prowess by establishing a two-goal lead away to Gwangju FC within the first 35 minutes of play. Despite Gwangju FC's efforts to level the match at 2-2, Buriram United secured a valuable point from the South Korean debutants. This achievement adds to Buriram United's history in the tournament, having twice advanced beyond the group stage, including a memorable quarterfinal appearance in 2013.
As JDT and Buriram United prepare for the round of 16 on March 6, the landscape of the East Region sees some shifts. Chinese football will have two out of its three representatives advancing further in the ACL Elite. In contrast, Australian football has seen a decline in its presence among the top four. Central Coast Mariners, Australia's sole representatives this season, concluded their campaign without a win and garnered just one point from eight matches.
The South Korean team Ulsan HD faced elimination following a challenging campaign, marking a disappointing end to their participation in this year's ACL Elite. The dynamics within the region reflect the changing tides of football prowess and competition among clubs.
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