The highly anticipated AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite knockout round is set to kick off on Monday, promising a thrilling week of football action. Featuring top-performing teams from both West and East Asia, the competition maintains its regional segregation. Teams will battle it out over two legs in this decisive phase, each vying for a coveted spot in the subsequent rounds.
In the West Asian contingent, Al Hilal stands out with an exemplary performance, having secured 22 points out of a possible 24 in the group stages. Their formidable run places them at the top of the region, and they are poised to be strong contenders in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Al Nassr remains optimistic about their title prospects, thanks to their roster brimming with talent.
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) has emerged as a team to watch, bolstering their squad with new signings during the midseason break. Their strategic reinforcements are expected to enhance their competitiveness as they prepare to take on their opponents. On the other hand, Kawasaki Frontale seeks to surpass their historical best by advancing beyond the quarterfinals for the first time in ten appearances. Despite a setback with a 2-0 defeat against Shanghai Shenhua last month, they remain determined to make their mark.
Al Wasl may not boast the same level of prestige as some of their rivals, but their strength lies in being a well-drilled and cohesive unit. This approach has served them well throughout the tournament, making them a formidable opponent. As for Gwangju FC and Vissel Kobe, both teams have shown flashes of brilliance during various stages of the campaign, positioning themselves as potential threats in the knockout round.
Al Sadd, often considered the "best of the rest," finished fourth in their region, trailing behind the leading trio from Saudi Arabia by five points. Their performance has been commendable, but they will need to up their game to compete against the best. Al Ahli has been active in strengthening their squad through the midseason transfer window; however, there are concerns regarding adjustments to a system that has proved effective.
In Eastern Asia, Marinos retains much of last year's squad, with their success heavily reliant on Anderson Lopes, who continues to spearhead their attack. Conversely, the Chinese Super League champions face challenges after suffering two consecutive defeats in their recent ACL Elite outings, conceding six goals.
Leave a Reply