Acl 2012

OFFICIAL GUIDE
2012
Participating Clubs
Group B Group A
Al Rayyan (QAT)
Al Jazira (UAE)
Al Ittihad (KSA)
Al Arabi (QAT)
TAK KHFC
OR
PA
IS
TAN TAS
Nasaf (UZB)
Esteghlal (IRN)
Baniyas (UAE)
Pakhtakor (UZB)
Group C
Sepahan (IRN)
Al Ahli (KSA)
Group D
Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE)
Piroozi (IRN)
Lekhwiya (QAT)
Al Nasr (UAE)
Al Hilal (KSA)
Al Gharafa (QAT)
Group E
Gamba Osaka (JPN)
Adelaide United (AUS)
Group F
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
FC Tokyo (JPN)
Bunyodkor (UZB)
Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Brisbane Roar (AUS)
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
Group G
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR)
Group H
Buriram United (THA)
Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
Nagoya Grampus (JPN)
Central Coast Mariners (AUS)
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)
K
H
1956
EN
UZB
OFFICIAL GUIDE
2012
Contents
Introduction AFC message Format Group stage schedule Competition Format Group A Al Rayyan (QAT) Al Jazira (UAE) Nasaf (UZB) Esteghlal (IRN) Group B Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Group C Sepahan (IRN) Al Ahli (KSA) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Nasr (UAE) Group D Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Group E Gamba Osaka (JPN) Adelaide United (AUS) Bunyodkor (UZB) Pohang (KOR) Group F Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) 5 9 11 16 18 20 22 28 30 32 34 40 42 44 46 52 54 56 58 64 66 68 70 76 78 80 82 Group G Tianjin Teda (CHN) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Group H Buriram United (THA) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Knockout stage Schedule AFC Champions League 2011 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2010 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2009 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2008 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2007 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2006 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2005 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2004 Review & Results AFC Champions League 2002-3 Review & Results Roll of honour ACL/AFC Cup/Super Cup winners ACC/ACWC winners Media Information Useful contacts 88 90 92 94 100 102 104 106 111 115 123 131 139 147 155 163 171 179 187 188 191 199
The information contained in this media guide was correct at presstime. As all of the competing teams are allowed to add or replace up to five players until seven days before their first match, the players who are featured in this media guide may not be on the final team lists.
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INTRODUCTION
AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012
AFC Message
Dear friends in the media, The year 2011 was unforgettable for Asian football as our teams left an indelible mark on world football with brilliant performances in various tournaments. While the Japan womens team Nadeshiko made headlines with their FIFA Womens World Cup triumph, Asian clubs took the AFC Champions League to new heights and made us all proud with their classy performances in the FIFA Club World Cup. The 2011 edition of the AFC Champions League was marked by the growing popularity of the tournament, and, coming on the back of such a successful season, I have every reason to believe that 2012 will be even more exciting. AFC is fully aware of the key role the media plays in spreading the good word around and this informative Media Guide is one more tool to service the fans and media in a professional manner. This handbook contains easy-to-grasp information and statistics about all the 32 teams. I hope you will find it informative and useful in order to promote the AFC Champions League. The Future is Asia!
Zhang Jilong
AFC Acting President FIFA Executive Committee member
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FORMAT
Group Stage Schedule

Matchday One
06/03/2012
A A B B E E F F Al Rayyan (QAT) Nasaf (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas (UAE) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Bunyodkor (UZB) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Roar (AUS) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Esteghlal (IRN) Al Jazira (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Arabi (QAT) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Adelaide United (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) FC Tokyo (JPN)
07/03/2012
C C D D G G H H Sepahan (IRN) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Buriram United (THA) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Nasr (UAE) Al Ahli (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Piroozi (IRN) Central Coast (AUS) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou (CHN)
Matchday Two
20/03/2012
A A B B E E F F Esteghlal (IRN) Al Jazira (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Arabi (QAT) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Adelaide United (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) FC Tokyo (JPN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Nasaf (UZB) Al Rayyan (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Al Ittihad (KSA) Bunyodkor (UZB) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
21/03/2012
C C D D G G H H Al Nasr (UAE) Al Ahli (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Piroozi (IRN) Central Coast (AUS) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou (CHN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Lekhwiya (QAT) Sepahan (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Buriram United (THA)
Matchday Three
03/04/2012
A A C C E E G G Esteghlal (IRN) Al Rayyan (QAT) Al Nasr (UAE) Sepahan (IRN) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Central Coast (AUS) Tianjin Teda (CHN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Jazira (UAE) Nasaf (UZB) Al Ahli (KSA) Lekhwiya (QAT) Adelaide United (AUS) Bunyodkor (UZB) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Nagoya Grampus (JPN)
04/04/2012
B B D D F F H H Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram United (THA) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Guangzhou (CHN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR)
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Matchday Four
17/04/2012
B B D D F F H H Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Guangzhou (CHN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram United (THA)
18/04/2012
A A C C E E G G Al Jazira (UAE) Nasaf (UZB) Al Ahli (KSA) Lekhwiya (QAT) Adelaide United (AUS) Bunyodkor (UZB) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Esteghlal (IRN) Al Rayyan (QAT) Al Nasr (UAE) Sepahan (IRN) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Central Coast (AUS) Tianjin Teda (CHN)
Matchday Five
01/05/2012
C C D D G G H H Al Nasr (UAE) Al Ahli (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Piroozi (IRN) Central Coast (AUS) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou (CHN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Sepahan (IRN) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Buriram United (THA) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR)
02/05/2012
A A B B E E F F Esteghlal (IRN) Al Jazira (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Arabi (QAT) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Adelaide United (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) FC Tokyo (JPN) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Rayyan (QAT) Nasaf (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas (UAE) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Bunyodkor (UZB) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Roar (AUS)
Matchday Six
15/05/2012
C C D D G G H H Sepahan (IRN) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Buriram United (THA) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Ahli (KSA) Al Nasr (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Al Gharafa (QAT) Seongnam Chunma (KOR) Central Coast (AUS) Guangzhou (CHN) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)
16/05/2012
A A B B E E F F Al Rayyan (QAT) Nasaf (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas (UAE) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Bunyodkor (UZB) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Roar (AUS) vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs Al Jazira (UAE) Esteghlal (IRN) Al Arabi (QAT) Pakhtakor (UZB) Adelaide United (AUS) Pohang Steelers (KOR) FC Tokyo (JPN) Beijing Guoan (CHN)
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Competitions Format
1. The Competition shall consist of three stages: Play-off stage consisting of the Play-off matches (knock-out system) Preliminary stage consisting of the Group matches (League system) and Round of 16 (knock-out system) Knockout Stage consisting of the matches of Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final (Knockout system)
2. The matches in the Competition shall be played in accordance with one of the following three formats: One single match (Knock-out system) : Play-off, Round of 16, Final Home & Away matches (League system): In groups composed of several teams One home and one away match per team (knockout system): Quarter-finals, Semi-finals
3. The Final of the AFC Champions League 2012 will be played at the home stadium of one of the finalists and the hosting right will be decided at the Official Draw 2012 for the AFC Champions League Knock-out Stage in accordance with the draw mechanism which will be provided then.
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12
GROUP A
Group A
Al Rayyan (QAT)
Al Jazira (UAE)
Nasaf (UZB)
Esteghlal (IRN)
Al Rayyan (QAT)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1967 P.O. Box 400, Doha, Qatar (+974) 4482 5800 (+974) 4480 1626 rayyanclub@gmail.com www.rayyanclub.com Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium 25,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Salem Nasser Al Eida (+974) 5580 5828 (+974) 4480 1626 liil@w.cn
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 18:20 Al Rayyan (QAT) Esteghlal (IRN) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha MD4 April 18, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Al Rayyan (QAT) Central Stadium, Karshi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours: League: 7 1995, 90, 86, 84, 82, 78, 76 Cup: 5 2011, 10, 06, 04, 1999 Continental Record: ACL: 2011 Group stage 2007 Group stage AFC Cup: 2010 Round of 16 ACC: ACWC: ASC: 1998 2nd round 1997 Quarter-finals 2000 2nd round Did not participate 1992 3rd 1986 Group stage 2005 Group stage
MD2 March 20, 19:30 Al Jazira (UAE) Al Rayyan (QAT) Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi MD3 April 3, 18:30 Al Rayyan (QAT) Nasaf (UZB) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha
MD5 May 02, 19:20 Esteghlal (IRN) Al Rayyan (QAT) Azadi Stadium, Tehran MD6 May 16, 18:55 Al Rayyan (QAT) Al Jazira (UAE) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha
All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 5th P W 27 12 D 3 L 12 F 39 A Pts 42 39 2008-09 League 3rd P W 27 15 D 7 L 5 F 62 A Pts 35 52 2009-10 League 5th P W 22 11 D 4 L 7 F 41 A Pts 30 37 2010-11 League 3rd P W 22 12 D 6 L 4 F 39 A Pts 22 42
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Sadd 1-3
Cup Runners-up Lost to Al Gharafa 2-1 in final
Cup Winners Beat Umm Salal 1-0 in final
Cup Winners Beat Al Gharafa 2-1 aet in final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Did not qualify 2010 Did not qualify 2011 Group stage H
Al Shabab Emirates Zobahan 1-1 2-0 1-3
A
0-1 0-2 0-1 GS GS GS
16
Group A
Club Profile
Established in 1967, Al Rayyan have won the Qatar league seven times although their last championship success was in 1995. The club, which boasts the largest supporter base in the Gulf state, will be making their fourth appearance in the AFC Champions League in 2012 after beating Al Gharafa 2-1 to win the Emir Cup for the fifth time last season. Third-place finishers in the Asian Club Championship in 1992 and quarter-finalists in the same competition in 1997, Al Rayyan will be looking to make a bigger impression in the AFC Champions League after failing to get past the group stage on their previous three appearances in 2005, 2007 and 2011. They went 14 matches without a victory in the competition until they beat Emirates 2-0 in their final group game last year. The Qatari club also played in the AFC Cup in 2010 when they went out in the round of 16 after losing in a penalty shootout to Thailands Muangthong United.
Coach Diego Aguirre

Having scored the winning goal for Penarol in the 1987 Copa Libertadores final, former striker Diego Aguirre cemented his legendary status with the Uruguayan giants when he coached them to league titles in 2003 and 2010. Having begun his coaching career at little-known Alianza San Agustin, Aguirre has had three spells in charge at Penarol along with stints at Aucas in Ecuador, Alianza Lima in Peru and Montevideo Wanderers in his native Uruguay. The 46-yearold, who has also coached the Uruguay U-20 national team, took up his first coaching job outside South America when he was appointed by Al Rayyan last September.
Star Players Fabio Cesar

Born in Brazil, Fabio Cesar has made his mark at international level as a naturalised Qatar player and scored twice for his adopted homeland during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The 32-year-old playmaker began his career with Brazilian giants Sao Paolo and had spells in the Czech Republic with Viktoria Pizen and in Italy at Napoli and Avellino before joining Qatari side Al Arabi in 2005. He moved to Umm Salal the following year and helped them to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League in 2009 before moving to Al Rayyan in 2010.
Rodrigo Tabata
An attacking midfielder of Japanese-Brazilian descent, Rodrigo Tabata played for several clubs in his native Brazil before he joined Santos in 2006. After playing more than 150 games for the club and scoring 42 goals, he moved to Turkey, where he played for Gaziantepspor in 2008-09 and for Besiktas the following season. The 31-year-old was loaned out by Besiktas to Al Rayyan in 2010 before he completed a full transfer to the Qatari club in February 2011. He repaid their faith by scoring both of his sides goals in their 2-1 win over Al Gharafa in the Emir Cup final.
Afonso Alves
Brazilian striker Afonso Alves has been a key player for Al Rayyan since he joined the club in 2010. Deadly in front of goal, he finished as the top scorer in the AFC Cup in 2010 when he netted nine goals in seven games for the Qatari side. The Belo Horizonte native began his career with Atletico Mineiro in 2001 and had spells at Swedish sides Orgyre and Malmo before he joined Dutch side Heerenveen. He was the top scorer in the Eredivisie in the 2006-2007 season with 34 goals but endured a disappointing spell at English club Middlesbrough before he moved to Qatar to join Al Sadd in 2009.
Young star Fahed Khalfan

A product of Qatars ASPIRE Sports Academy, Fahed Khalfan is considered to be one of the most promising young talents in Qatar and joined Al Rayyan three years ago. Good performances by the 19-year-old forward for his club in the 2010 Sheikh Jassim Cup earned him a spot in the Qatar U-23 team which took part in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. He was also called up to the senior squad for the first time in 2010 and made his debut in a friendly against Bahrain that September.
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Al Jazira (UAE)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1974 P.O. Box 2750, Abu Dhabi, UAE (+971) 2 445 4455 (+971) 2 445 5122 info@jc.ae www.jc.ae Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium 40,479
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Ahmid Mardoud (+971) 50 264 8731 (+971) 2 445 5122 a.mardoud@jc.ae
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Al Jazira (UAE) Central Stadium, Karshi MD4 April 18, 19:45 Al Jazira (UAE) Esteghlal (IRN) Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 2011 Cup: 1 2011 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Group stage 2010 Group stage 2009 Group stage ACC: ACWC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
MD2 March 20, 19:30 Al Jazira (UAE) Al Rayyan (QAT) Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
MD5 May 02, 19:45 Al Jazira (UAE) Nasaf (UZB) Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
MD3 April 03, 19:00 Esteghlal (IRN) Al Jazira (UAE) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD6 May 16, 18:55 Al Rayyan (QAT) Al Jazira (UAE) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Runners-up P W 22 11 D 6 L 5 F 46 A Pts 31 39 2008-09 League Runners-up P W 22 17 D 3 L 2 F 57 A Pts 17 54 2009-10 League Runners-up P W 22 15 D 6 L 1 F 48 A Pts 26 51 2010-11 League Champions P W 22 16 D 5 L 1 F 64 A Pts 27 53
Cup 1st round Lost to Bani Yas 3-1
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Wahda 4-2 on penalties after 0-0 draw
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Shabab 3-0 on penalties after 0-0 draw
Cup Winners Beat Al Wahda 4-0 in final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Group stage H
Umm Salal Esteghlal Al Ittihad (KSA) 0-1 2-2 0-0
2010 Group stage A

2-2 1-1 1-1 GS GS GS Al Gharafa Esteghlal Al Ahli (KSA)
2011 Group stage A

2-4 0-0 1-5 GS GS GS
H
1-2 2-1 0-2
H
Al Gharafa Sepahan Al Hilal 0-0 1-4 2-3
A
2-5 1-5 1-3 GS GS GS
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Group A
Club Profile
Al Jazira finally ended their long and frustrating wait for domestic league success in 2011. After being runners-up for three consecutive seasons, they clinched their first United Arab Emirates Pro League title in emphatic fashion, ending their campaign 12 points ahead of runners-up Baniyas. For good measure, they also won the Presidents Cup for the first time with a 4-0 demolition of Abu Dhabi rivals Al Wahda 4-0 in the final. It was a much deserved reward for the long-suffering fans of the club, whose only previous titles came in 2007 when they won the UAE Federation Cup and the GCC Club Champions Cup. Having secured the domestic double, Al Jazira can now set their sights on improving their poor record in the AFC Champions League as they make their fourth consecutive appearance. They have recorded only one win in their previous 18 games and managed only a single point from six matches in the group stage last season.
Coach Franky Vercauteren

Nicknamed The Little Prince, Franky Vercauteren took the helm of Al Jazira last August following the departure of Brazilian Abel Braga. The ex-Belgium international winger helped his country to finish fourth at the 1986 FIFA World Cup and turned to coaching after retiring in 1993. He served as an assistant coach at Anderlecht, the club where he had spent much of his playing career, before being appointed as head coach in 2005 and winning the league in back-to-back seasons. The 55-year-old also served as an interim coach with the Belgium national team before leading RC Genk to the Belgian league title in 2011.
Star Players Bare

Having played for clubs in Uruguay, Denmark and his native Brazil early in his career, Bare found much success in Japan, helping Omiya Ardija and Ventforet Kofu to win promotion to the top flight and winning the J.League Cup with Gamba Osaka. He famously netted all six goals for Ventforet in a 6-2 win over Kashiwa Reysol in the 2005 promotion/relegation play-offs. He played for Gamba in the group stage during their run to the AFC Champions League title in 2008 before moving to Dubai to join Al Ahli. He signed for Al Jazira in 2010 and helped fire them to the league and cup double.
Subait Khater
A United Arab Emirates international midfielder, Subait Khater tasted AFC Champions League glory when he played in the Al Ain side that beat BEC Tero Sasana to win the inaugural tournament in 2003. After spending over a decade at Al Ain, the midfield veteran moved to league rivals Al Jazira in 2008. The 32-year-old Khater is one of his teams major attacking threats, who is superb with his delivery in dead-ball situations and is also a driving force in midfield with his creative play.
Ricardo Oliveira
Having won the Spanish league at Valencia and Spanish cup at Real Betis, Ricardo Oliveira joined Al Jazira in 2009 in a US$14 million deal. The prolific striker has proven to be a good purchase with his 15 goals last season helping to drive the club to the league and cup double. The 31-year-old brings plenty of experience to Al Jazira, having played at several top sides in Brazil and Europe including Italian giants AC Milan. He was a member of the Brazil team that won the 2004 Copa America and the FIFA Confederations Cup a year later.
Young star Ali Mabkhout

Having gradually progressed through the ranks at Al Jazira, midfielder Ali Mabkhout is considered as one of the clubs most promising young players. The 21-year-old was called up by the United Arab Emirates U-23 team and played in several games during the 2012 Olympic qualifiers. Mabkhouts impressive performances in the Al Jazira attack earned him a place in the first team during the 2009 AFC Champions League, when he started in two matches and scored in a 2-2 draw with Esteghlal. He appeared in five matches in the competition last year and was on target against Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
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Nasaf (UZB)
Club
Established Address Tel Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1997 Mustakillik Str, 5, Karshi City, Uzbekistan (+998) 75 221 5094 (+998) 75 221 5094 nasaf1997@mail.ru www.fcnasaf.uz Central Stadium, Karshi 16,000
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax E-mail Azizjon Nurov (+998) 91 461 9610 (+998) 75 221 5094 nasaf1997@mail.ru
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Al Jazira (UAE) Central Stadium, Karshi MD4 April 18, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Al Rayyan (QAT) Central Stadium, Karshi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: Nil Cup: Nil Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances AFC Cup: 2011 Champions 2010 Round of 16 ACC: 2002 Semi-finals Did not participate Did not participate
MD2 March 20, 19:00 Esteghlal (IRN) Nasaf (UZB) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD5 May 02, 19:45 Al Jazira (UAE) Nasaf (UZB) Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
MD3 April 03, 18:30 Al Rayyan (QAT) Nasaf (UZB) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha
MD6 May 16, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Esteghlal (IRN) Central Stadium, Karshi All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ACWC: ASC:
Domestic Record
2008 League 9th P W 30 10 D 5 L 15 F 28 A Pts 36 35 2009 League 3rd P W 30 16 D 7 L 7 F 48 A Pts 27 55 2010 League 3rd P W 26 13 D 7 L 6 F 30 A Pts 20 46 2011 League Runners-up P W 26 15 D 8 L 3 F 43 A Pts 15 53
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Mashal 3-2 on aggregate
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Bunyodkor 5-0 on aggregate
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Bunyodkor 3-2 on aggregate
Cup Runners-up Lost to Pakhtakor 3-1 in final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Did not qualify 2010 Did not qualify 2011 Did not qualify
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Group A
Club Profile
Nasaf are making their debut in the AFC Champions League this season after creating history last year when they became the first Uzbek side to win an Asian continental club title. The team from Karshi won 10 of their 12 games in the AFC Cup and capped their fine performance in the competition with a 2-1 victory over Al Kuwait in the final. It proved to be an excellent season for Nasaf, who also enjoyed their highest ever finish in the Uzbek League as they finished runners-up behind champions Bunyodkor. They also reached the Uzbek Cup final but lost 3-1 to Pakhtakor. While the team from Karshi have yet to win an Uzbek league title, they did appear in the final edition of the Asian Club Championship in 2002 when they went all the way to the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual winners Suwon Samsung Bluewings of Korea.
Coach Ruziqul Berdiev

A former player and assistant coach at Nasaf, Ruziqul Berdiev took over as the teams head coach in January after Anatoliy Demyanenko decided to return home to Ukraine to take charge of top flight side Volyn Lutsk. The 40-year-old spent the first three years of his playing career at Yangiyer but returned to his home province of Qashqadaryo in 1997 to join newly-formed Nasaf. He played over 300 games for the Karshi club during the next 12 seasons and appeared in the Asian Club Championship semi-finals in 2002 before he hung up his boots in 2008 and took up a coaching position at the club.
Star Players Andrejs Pereplotkins

Having joined Nasaf before the start of the 2011 season, Andrejs Pereplotkins capped a memorable first year with the club when he scored the decisive goal in their AFC Cup final victory. The 27-year-old forward diverted in a low cross with a backheel for Nasafs second goal in their 2-1 win over Al Kuwait. Pereplotkins played for clubs in his native Ukraine, Russia, Belgium and Ireland before joining Latvian giants Skonto in 2003. He spent seven years on the books of the Riga club and made his international debut for Latvia in 2007 after becoming a citizen of the Baltic state.
Murotjon Zukhorov
Having left Bunyodkor in 2010 after falling down the pecking order at the Tashkent side following the signing of Uzbekistan international goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov, Murotjon Zukhorov has firmly established himself as first-choice at Nasaf. The 29-year-old, who stands 1.88m tall, was an ever-present for the Karshi side during their run to the AFC Cup final last year. He allowed only eight goals in 12 games and stopped two penalties in their shootout victory against Chonburi in the quarter-finals. Zukhorov appeared in two editions of the AFC Champions League for Bunyodkor in 2008 and 2009, when he conceded only two goals in eight matches.
Ivan Boskovic
Having joined Nasaf from Montenegrin side OFK Grebalj in 2011, former FR Yugoslavia U-21 international Ivan Boskovic had a season to remember for the Uzbek club. The 30-year-old was the top scorer in the Montenegro league in 2010 with 28 goals and the leading marksman in the AFC Cup last year when he netted 10 goals. His tally included four in the 9-0 drubbing of Dempo in the group stage and the crucial equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Al Wehdat in the second leg of the semi-finals which sent Nasaf through to the final.
Young star Sherzod Azamov

A promising young defender, Sherzod Azamov is looking to cement his spot in the Nasaf line-up after making his continental club debut last season when he came on as a substitute in the second leg of the AFC Cup semi-final against Al Ansar. The 22-year-old is a former Uzbekistan youth international who helped his country to finish runners-up at the 2008 AFC U-19 Championship and also played at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
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Esteghlal (IRN)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1963 #68 Western 38 St.,Southern Allameh, Saadat Abad, Tehran (+98) 21 886 92157 (+98) 21 886 90152 info@fcesteghlal.ir www.fcesteghlal.ir Azadi Stadium 100,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Hamed Afzali (+98) 912 223 7268 (+98) 21 8869 0152 hamedafzali1364@yahoo.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 18:20 Al Rayyan (QAT) Esteghlal (IRN) Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Doha MD4 April 18, 19:45 Al Jazira (UAE) Esteghlal (IRN) Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 7 2009, 06, 01, 1998, 90, 75, 71 Cup: 5 2008, 02, 00, 1996, 77 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Group stage 2010 Round of 16 ACC: 2002 3rd 1999 Runners-up 1992 Runners-up 2001 4th 2000 2nd round 1997 4th Did not participate 2009 Group stage 2003 Group stage 1991 Champions 1971 Semi-finals 1970 Champions
MD2 March 20, 19:00 Esteghlal (IRN) Nasaf (UZB) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD5 May 02, 19:20 Esteghlal (IRN) Al Rayyan (QAT) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD3 April 3, 19:00 Esteghlal (IRN) Al Jazira (UAE) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD6 May 16, 19:30 Nasaf (UZB) Esteghlal (IRN) Central Stadium, Karshi All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ACWC:
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 13th P W 34 11 D 10 L 13 F 44 A Pts 44 43 2008-09 League Champions P 34 W 19 D 9 L 6 F 70 A Pts 34 66 2009-10 League 3rd P W 34 16 D 11 L 7 F 49 A Pts 32 59 2010-11 League 2nd P W 34 18 D 12 L 4 F 56 A Pts 29 66
Cup Winners Beat Pegah 3-1 on aggregate in final
Cup 2nd round Lost to Mes 5-4 on penalties after 2-2 draw
Cup 2nd round Lost 5-4 to Steel Azin
Cup Semi-finals Lost 2-1 to Malavan
ACL Record
2008
Did not qualify Al Ittihad (KSA) Umm Salal Al Jazira
2009 - Group stage H

1-1 1-1 1-1
2010 - Round of 16 A
1-2 0-1 2-2 GS GS GS Al Shabab Al Gharafa Al Ahli (KSA) Al Jazira 2-3 (A)
2011 - Group stage A

1-1 2-1 1-2 R16 GS GS GS Al Sadd Al Nassr Pakhtakor
H
1-1 2-1 4-2
A
2-2 1-2 1-2 GS GS GS
3-0 2-1 0-0
22
Group A
Club Profile
Founded in the mid-1940s by a group of cyclists from the army, Esteghlal are one of Irans oldest clubs. They share the cavernous Azadi Stadium with bitter rivals Piroozi and were the biggest team in the country before the arrival of the Reds. Their haul of trophies includes seven league titles and four domestic cups, and although they have yet to make a mark in the era of the AFC Champions League, they twice won the tournaments fore-runner, the Asian Club Championship, in 1970 and 1991. Their previous AFC Champions League campaigns have been largely disappointing affairs. Eliminated in the group stage in 2003, 2009 and 2011, Esteghlals highlight to date has been an appearance in the round of 16 in 2010 when they lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabias Al Shabab. Runners-up in the Iranian league in 2011, they qualified for the group stage of the AFC Champions League after beating league rivals Zobahan 2-0 and Saudi side Al Ettifaq 3-1 in the play-offs. Their fans will be hoping that with the additions of seasoned Iran internationals like goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati, defender Khosro Heidari and midfielder Andranik Teymourian, and Trinidad and Tobago international JLloyd Samuel, they can finally mount a credible challenge for the continents premier club competition.
Coach Parviz Mazloumi

Like his older brother Gholam Hosein, Parviz Mazloumi was an Esteghlal player for a decade throughout the 1980s. Both represented the national team, although Parvizs contribution was less pronounced. He showed promise as a coach when he kept Aboomoslem in the top flight after taking over the strugglers midway through the 2007-08 season. But things took off for Mazloumi in 2009 when he led Mes Kerman to third place in the Iranian league and a berth in the 2010 AFC Champions League. Appointed in the summer of 2010 as Esteghlal coach, he led the Tehran Blues to second place in the league in his first season in charge.
Star Players Seyed Mehdi Rahmati

Irans undisputed No.1 has developed into the countrys best goalkeeper since the legendary Ahmadreza Abedzadeh, who helped the country to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. An excellent shot stopper, the 1.87-metre-tall Rahmati kept Iran in with a shout of reaching the 2010 World Cup with a string of fine performance throughout their unsuccessful qualifying campaign. The 29-year-old won the Iranian league with Esteghlal in 2006 during his first spell at the club and he returned to the Tehran giants in 2011 after winning two successive league titles with Sepahan.
Khosro Heidari
An attacking right-back who has often been used by club and national coaches on the right of midfield, Khosro Heidari is in his second spell at Esteghlal after a successful year at Sepahan. The 28-year-old likes to make overlapping runs but is sometimes unconvincing in a defensive capacity. After he had impressed at Aboomoslem, Paykan and Pas, he joined Esteghlal in 2008 and won the Iranian league title in his first season there. He was taken to Sepahan by his former coach at the Blues, Amir Ghalenoei, in 2009 and won another league title with the Esfahan club.
Andranik Teymourian
A combative midfielder who has emerged as one of the Iran national teams key players, Andranik Teymourian burst onto the scene at the 2006 FIFA World Cup when he played in all three of Team Mellis matches in Germany. That was followed by two years at English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers and spells at Fulham and Barnsley before he returned to Iran in 2010 to play for Teraktorsazi. He helped the Tabriz club to finish fifth in the Iranian league but he was unable to settle there and left to join Esteghlal in the summer of 2011.
Young star Esmaeil Sharifat

A diminutive and quick-footed attacker who can play up front or on the wing, Esmaeil Sharifat is one for the future at Esteghlal as he seeks to make his mark at the club. The 23-year-old cut his teeth in Irans traditional footballing hinterland, the south-western province of Khouzestan. Impressive performances for Foolad and Esteghlal Ahvaz prompted a move to the capital where he is predominantly used as a late substitute whose speed gives tiring defenders problems towards the end of matches.
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23
Group A Fixtures
Date Matchday 1 Kick-off 18:20 Match Al Rayyan (QAT) vs Esteghlal (IRN) Score
06/03/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30 Nasaf (UZB) vs Al Jazira (UAE)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 2
19:00
Esteghlal (IRN)
vs
Nasaf (UZB)
20/03/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30 Al Jazira (UAE) vs Al Rayyan (QAT)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 3
19:00
Esteghlal (IRN)
vs
Al Jazira (UAE)
03/04/2012 (Tuesday)
18:30 Al Rayyan (QAT) vs Nasaf (UZB)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
19:45
Al Jazira (UAE)
vs
Esteghlal (IRN)
18/04/2012 (Wednesday)
19:30 Nasaf (UZB) vs Al Rayyan (QAT)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 5
19:20
Esteghlal (IRN)
vs
Al Rayyan (QAT)
19:45 Al Jazira (UAE) vs Nasaf (UZB)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
18:55
Al Rayyan (QAT)
vs
Al Jazira (UAE)
19:30 Nasaf (UZB) vs Esteghlal (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
All kick-off times are local and subject to change. Simultaneous kick-off times may be required on Matchday Six
24
GROUP B
Group B
Al Ittihad (KSA)
Al Arabi (QAT)
Baniyas (UAE)
TAK KHFC
IS
TAN TAS
K
H
1956
EN
Pakhtakor (UZB)
OR
PA
UZB
Al Ittihad (KSA)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1929 PO Box 5945, Jeddah 21432, KSA (+966) 672 8888 (+966) 671 5184 itti_football@yahoo.com ittihadclub.sa Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium 21,482
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Atef Akram Tashkandi (+966) 5056 11440 (+966) 2 672 0112 atef@ittihadclub.sa
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 20:35 Al Ittihad (KSA) Pakhtakor (UZB) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD2 March 20, 18:30 Al Arabi (QAT) Al Ittihad (KSA) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha MD3 April 04, 20:45 Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas (UAE) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD4 April 17, 19:05 Baniyas (UAE) Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 8 - 2009, 07, 03, 01, 00, 1999, 97, 82 Cup: 7 - 2004, 01, 1997, 91, 63, 59, 58 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Semi-finals 2010 Group stage 2009 Runners-up 2008 Group stage ACC: MD6 May 16, 21:00 Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Arabi (QAT) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah All kick-off times are local and subject to change ACWC: ASC: 2002 2nd round 2001 Quarter-finals 2000 Quarter-finals 1999 Champions 1999 Runners-up 1995 3rd 1993 Semi-finals 2006 Quarter-finals 2005 Champions 2004 Champions
MD5 May 02, 18:30 Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Jar Stadium, Tashkent
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Runners-up P W 22 14 D 6 L 2 F 40 A Pts 16 48 2008-09 League Champions P W 22 17 D 4 L 1 F 57 A Pts 21 55 2009-10 League Runners-up P W 22 14 D 3 L 5 F 46 A Pts 30 45 2010-11 League Runners-up P W 26 13 D 12 L 1 F 49 A Pts 23 51
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Ettifaq 2-1
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Nassr 5-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw
Cup 1st round Lost to Al Najran 2-1
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Ettifaq 3-1
ACL Record
Kuruvchi Al Ittihad (SYR) Sepahan 1-0 3-0 0-1
2009 Runners-up A
0-2 1-0 1-2 GS GS GS Pohang Steelers Nagoya Grampus Pakhtakor Al Shabab Esteghlal Umm Salal Al Jazira 1-2 6-2 (H) 2-1 (A) 1-1 (A) 4-0 (H) 2-1 (H) Final SF QF R16 GS GS GS

Bunyodkor Zobahan Al Wahda (UAE) 1-1 2-2 4-0
2011 Semi-finals A
0-3 0-1 2-0 GS GS GS Jeonbuk Motors FC Seoul Al Ittihad Piroozi Bunyodkor Al Wahda 2-3 (H) 1-2 (A) 3-1 (H) 0-1 (A) 3-1 (H) SF QF R16 GS GS GS
2-1 7-0 0-0
1-1 3-1 1-1
3-1 1-1 0-0
2-3 1-0 3-0
28
Group B
Club Profile
Winners of consecutive AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005, Al Ittihad missed out on becoming the first team to be crowned Asian champions three times when they lost 2-1 to Korean side Pohang Steelers in the 2009 final. After missing out on the knockout stage in 2010, the Jeddah giants made another strong run last year, reaching the last four after defeating Saudi league rivals Al Hilal in the round of 16 and Korean champions FC Seoul in the quarter-finals. But their hopes of reaching the final for a fourth time were dashed by Koreas Jeonbuk Motors, who won both legs of the semi-final tie en route to a 5-3 aggregate victory. Al Ittihad failed to lift any silverware in 2011 but they booked their spot in the AFC Champions League for the eighth time in 10 attempts after finishing second in the Saudi league behind Al Hilal for the second consecutive year.
Coach Raul Caneda

Spanish coach Raul Caneda took the helm at Al Ittihad in February after the Jeddah giants had dismissed Slovenian Matjaz Kek following a run of poor results and performances that had seen the club slip into mid-table in the Saudi League. The 43-year-old Caneda began his coaching career in Mexico, where he was an assistant coach at Dorados de Sinaloa. He returned to Spain in 2008 and was an assistant coach at Real Sociedad for one season before he took up a similar position at Primera Liga side UC Almeria. He remained at the Andalusian club until his appointment by Al Ittihad.
Star Players Hosny Abd Rabo

While Hosny Abd Rabo has spent much of his career with his hometown club, Ismaily, the Egypt international midfielder is now in his third spell overseas after being signed by Al Ittihad in February. Abd Rabo came up through the youth ranks at Ismaily and made his debut for the club as a teenager in 2003. He joined French club Strasbourg in 2005 but returned to Ismaily a year later. Loaned to Al Ahli in 2008, he helped the Dubai club to win the United Arab Emirates League championship and also played for them in the AFC Champions League, where he netted three goals. The 27-year-old returned to Ismaily in 2010 before he joined Al Ittihad this year.
Hamad Al Montashari
The 2005 AFC Player of the Year, Hamad Al Montashari began his career with Al Ittihads youth team and rose through the ranks to become a key member of the team that won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005. The 29-year-old central defender has also weighed in with some crucial goals for his club including a late winner against Jeonbuk Motors in the AFC Champions League semi-finals in 2004. He has made more than 50 international appearances for Saudi Arabia and played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and two AFC Asian Cup finals.
Naif Hazazi
Seen as the likely heir to retired Saudi Arabia striker Hamza Idris, Naif Hazazi first caught the eye in 2008 when he netted 14 goals in 31 games for Al Ittihads first team including one in the 3-0 victory over Al Ittihad Aleppo in the AFC Champions League group stage. After missing the majority of the 2009-10 season through injury, Hazzazi made a good comeback last year when he scored 12 goals in 22 matches in the Saudi league. He also made 10 appearances in last years AFC Champions League, scoring two goals in the semi-final against Jeonbuk Motors.
Young star Maan Khodary

A product of Al Ittihads youth system, 20-year-old midfielder Maan Khodary was promoted to the first team this season following his impressive displays for Saudi Arabias U-20 side. Khodary helped the Saudis to a semi-final appearance in the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship in China. That performance earned them a berth in last years FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Colombia, where Khodary once again impressed in all four of his countrys matches as they reached the round of 16.
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29
Al Arabi (QAT)
Club
Established Address Telephone Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1952 Al Rayyah Street, Doha, Qatar (+974) 4467 3666 (+974) 4467 3672 info@alarabi.qa alarabi.qa Grand Hamad Stadium 12,500
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax Email Abdil Rahman Hassen Al Khelaifi (+974) 5553 5500 (+974) 4467 3672 abuhassan00@hotmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 18:50 Baniyas (UAE) Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi MD4 April 17, 19:00 Al Arabi (QAT) Pakhtakor (UZB) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 7 1997, 96, 94, 93, 91, 85, 83 Cup: 8 1993, 90, 89, 84, 83, 80, 79, 78 Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: 1999 1st round 1996 Group stage 1995 Runners-up 1994 Semi-finals 1991 2nd round Did not participate 1993 1st qualifying round 1987 Group stage
MD2 March 20, 18:30 Al Arabi (QAT) Al Ittihad (KSA) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha
MD5 May 02, 19:00 Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha MD6 May 16, 21:00 Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Arabi (QAT) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ACWC: ASC:
MD3 April 04, 18:00 Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Arabi (QAT) Jar Stadium, Tashkent
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 6th P W 27 8 D 9 L 10 F 37 A Pts 35 33 2008-09 League 7th P W 27 8 D 5 L 14 F 37 A Pts 51 29 2009-10 League 3rd P W 22 12 D 4 L 6 F 52 A Pts 30 40 2010-11 League 4th P W 22 12 D 5 L 5 F 39 A Pts 26 41
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Gharafa 4-3 aet
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Qatar SC 2-1
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Umm Salal 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Jaish 2-1
ACL Record
30
Group B
Club Profile
Despite winning seven Qatar league championships, Al Arabi will be making their first appearance in the AFC Champions League this year. The Red Devils last won a league title in 1997 and finished fourth in the Qatar Stars League last year. But with third-placed Al Rayyan also lifting the Emir Cup, it was enough to give them a spot in the continental competition. Al Arabi won all of their league titles between 1983 and 1997 and featured in the Asian Club Championship five times with their best performance coming in 1995 when they finished runners-up after losing 1-0 to Thai Farmers Bank in the final. They also played in the Asian Cup Winners Cup twice and reached the semi-finals in 1994. Founded in 1952, Al Arabi boast a large fan base in Qatar where they have been nicknamed the Dream Team. However, they have failed to shine on the domestic front in recent times with their only successes coming in the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup, which they have won three times in the last four years.
Coach Abdullah Saad

Qatari coach Abdullah Saad took charge of Al Arabi on a caretaker basis in January after the club decided to terminate the contract of Brazilian coach Paulo Silas following their disappointing results in the first half of the Qatar Stars League season. Saad will be taking the helm at Al Arabi for the second time, having previously been appointed in October 2006 to replace former France national coach Henri Michel. He was in charge for five months before stepping aside following the appointment of Portuguese coach Jose Romao.
Star Players Leonardo Pisculichi

Argentinian attacking midfielder Leonardo Pisculichi began his career at Argentinos Juniors in 2002 and stayed with his club for three years before moving to Spanish side Mallorca in 2006. The former Argentina U-20 international spent only 10 months in Spain before he moved to Qatar in 2007 to join Al Arabi in a 3.6 million Euro deal. The 28-year-old has proven his worth for the team during the past five years, finishing as the second highest scorer in the league in 2008 and 2009 with 18 and 21 goals respectively.
Hadi Aghily
An experienced Iran international centre-back, Hadi Aghily joined Al Arabi last July after spending the previous seven years at Sepahan. It is the first time that the defender has played his club football outside Iran, having joined Sepahan in 2004 after spells at Piroozi and Saipa. The 30-year-old led the Esfahan side to a pair of Iranian league and Hazfi Cup victories and played in the team that finished runners-up in the AFC Champions League and played in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007. Having previously skippered Team Melli, he is now Al Arabis club captain.
Majdi Siddiq
Midfielder Majdi Siddiq had played for several clubs in Qatar. He started his career with Al Khor in 2003 and his impressive displays earned him a move to Al Rayyan in 2008 although he left a year later to join Al Sadd. After playing there for two seasons, Siddiq joined Al Arabi in 2011. The 26-year-old made his international debut for Qatar in 2004 and played for the national team in the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2007 as well as the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Young star Boualem Khoukhi

Young Algerian midfielder Boualem Khouki hit the headlines in Qatar when he helped Al Arabi to win the 2011 Sheikh Jassim Cup, scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 win over Umm Salal in the final. Having coming through the youth system at Algerian side JSM Cheraga, Khouki was signed by Al Arabi to his first professional contract in 2009. The 21-year-old has been called up by Algerias U-23 side.
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31
Baniyas (UAE)
Club
Established Address Telephone Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1982 Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi, UAE (+971) 2582 2214 (+971) 2584 2071 baniyasfc@baniyasclub.ae www.baniyasclub.ae Baniyas FC Stadium 9,500
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Nader Saleh Abuhayyeh (+971) 56 782 6950 (+971) 2 584 2797 nabuhyyeh@baniyasclub.ae
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 18:50 Baniyas (UAE) Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi MD4 April 17, 19:05 Baniyas (UAE) Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: Nil Cup: 1 - 1992 Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: MD6 May 16, 19:20 Baniyas (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi All kick-off times are local and subject to change Did not compete 1993 Intermediate (3rd) round Did not compete
MD2 March 20, 17:30 Pakhtakor (UZB) Baniyas (UAE) Jar Stadium, Tashkent MD3 April 04, 20:45 Al Ittihad (KSA) Baniyas (UAE) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah
MD5 May 02, 19:00 Al Arabi (QAT) Baniyas (UAE) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 6th (2nd division) P W 30 16 D 6 L 8 F 68 A Pts 35 54 2008-09 League 1st (2nd division) P W 30 21 D 7 L 2 F 80 A Pts 25 70 2009-10 League 4th P W 22 10 D 6 L 6 F 44 A Pts 37 36 2010-11 League Runners-up P W 22 12 D 5 L 5 F 38 A Pts 24 41
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Al Ahli 3-0
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Ain 3-2 aet
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Al Wahda 4-0
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Al Shabab Al Arabi 2-0
ACL Record
32
Group B
Club Profile
Established in 1982, Baniyas made their first significant mark on the United Arab Emirates football scene a decade later when they won the Presidents Cup as a second division side with a 2-1 extra-time win over Al Nasr in the final. They were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history in 1995 but they failed to settle there as they consistently finished in the bottom half of the table and suffered relegation three times in the next 11 seasons. They were promoted for the fourth time in 2009 after running away with the second division title. However, they were able to consolidate their place in the top flight the following season, finishing fourth, before enjoying their best ever season in 2010-11 as they took the runnersup spot behind Al Jazira and secured a place in the AFC Champions League for the first time.
Coach Gabriel Calderon

Having previously coached the Saudi Arabia and Oman national teams as well Saudi giants Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, former Argentina midfielder Gabriel Calderon accepted his first job in the United Arab Emirates when he was appointed coach of Baniyas last November. The 52-year-old was in charge at Al Ittihad from 2008 to 2010, winning the Saudi league with the Tigers and leading them to the AFC Champions League final in 2009. Following his departure from the Jeddah club, he took charge of Al Hilal and led them to the domestic league and cup double in 2011. However, he saw his side lose 3-1 to their fierce rivals in the AFC Champions League round of 16 last year.
Star Players Francisco Yeste

Spanish midfielder Francisco Yeste is his second stint in the United Arab Emirates after playing for Al Wasl in the 2010-11 season. Yeste came up through the youth ranks at Athletic Bilbao and was a member of the Spain U-20 side that won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999. He spent a decade with the Basque club before he joined Al Wasl in 2010. He scored 12 goals in 27 matches for the Dubai club but moved in the off-season to Greek side Olympiacos. But after a disappointing stint in Greece, the 32-year-old returned to the Middle East in January to join Baniyas.
Andre Senghor
Senegalese striker Andre Senghor first arrived in the United Arab Emirates to play for Al Ain in 2006. He was loaned out to Syrian side Al Karama in 2007 and helped them to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League as he scored three goals. After another loan spell at Moroccos Raja Casablanca, the prolific forward re-joined Al Ain in 2008 and netted 11 goals in only 12 matches before moving to Baniyas the following year. He went on to finish as the UAE Pro Leagues top scorer last season with 18 goals. He made his international debut for Senegal in a friendly against Oman in 2009.
Fawzi Bashir
Oman international midfielder Fawzi Bashir brings plenty of big-game experience to Baniyas, having played for his country in the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and 2007. He also played a key role in Omans victory in the Gulf Cup in 2009. After starting his career in 1998 with Omani side Al Nasr, Bashir joined Saudi Arabias Al Ittifaq in the 2004-05 season before moving to Qatari club Al Wakra a year later. He also had spells with Al Qadisiya and Kazma in Kuwait and Al Gharafa in Qatar before joining Baniyas in 2009.
Young star Mohammed Fawzi

Creative midfielder Mohammed Fawzi is considered as one of the best future talents in the United Arab Emirates. He started his football career in 2007 with Dubai side Al Ahli and played there for three seasons before moving to Baniyas in 2010. The 21-year-old scored two goals to help the UAE youth side to win the AFC U-19 Championship in 2008. He also featured in the UAE squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and for the UAE U-23s in the 2012 Olympic qualifiers.
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33
PA
TAK KHFC
IS
TAN TAS
1956
EN
OR
Pakhtakor (UZB)
Club
Established Address Tel Fax Email Website Stadium Capacity 1956 Uzbekistanskaya Str, 98A, PO Box 100027, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (+998) 71 113 0008 (+998) 71 113 0009 info@pakhtakor.uz www.pakhtakor.uz Jar Stadium 7,925
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 20:35 Al Ittihad (KSA) Pakhtakor (UZB) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD2 March 20, 17:30 Pakhtakor (UZB) Baniyas (UAE) Jar Stadium,Tashkent MD4 April 17, 19:00 Al Arabi (QAT) Pakhtakor (UZB) Grand Hamad Stadium, Doha
MD3 April 04, 18:00 Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Arabi (QAT) Jar Stadium,Tashkent
Domestic Record
2008 League Runners-up P 30 W 23 D 5 L 2 F 64 A Pts 14 74 2009 League Runners -up P 30 W 18 D 10 L 2 F 69 A Pts 16 64 2010 League Runners-up P 26 W 17 D 8 L 3 F 41 A Pts 19 57 2011 League 3rd P 26 W 15 D 6 L 5 F 33 A Pts 17 51
Cup Runners-up Lost to Bunyodkor 3-1 (aet) in final
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Al Qadisiya Al Gharafa Arbil 0-1 2-0 2-0
UZB
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax Email Behzod Nazarov (+998) 98 302 3216 (+998) 71 113 0009 nazarov_fe@mail.ru
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 8 2007, 06, 05, 04, 03, 02, 1998, 92 Cup: 11 2011, 09, 07, 06, 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 1997, 93 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Group stage 2010 Round of 16 2009 Quarter-finals 2008 Group stage 2007 Group stage ACC: MD6 May 16, 19:20 Baniyas (UAE) Pakhtakor (UZB) Baniyas FC Stadium, Abu Dhabi All kick-off times are local and subject to change ACWC: 2000 1st round 2002 2nd round 1999 Quarter-finals 1995 Preliminary Rd Did not participate 2006 Group stage 2005 Group stage 2004 Semi-finals 2003 Semi-finals
MD5 May 02, 18:30 Pakhtakor (UZB) Al Ittihad (KSA) Jar Stadium, Tashkent
ASC:
Cup Winners Beat Bunyodkor 1-0 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Shortan 2-3 on aggregate
Cup Winners Beat Nasaf 3-1 in final
2009 Quarter-finals A
2-2 2-2 5-1 GS GS GS Al Ittihad Al Ettifaq Al Ahli (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Saba Battery 1-1 (H) 0-4 (A) 2-1 (A) QF R16 GS GS GS
2010 Round of 16
Al Gharafa Al Ain Al Shabab (KSA) Sepahan 0-1 (A)
2011 Group stage A

1-0 1-2 0-2 R16 GS GS GS Al Nassr (KSA) Al Sadd Esteghlal
H
2-2 1-1 2-1
A
0-4 1-2 2-4 GS GS GS
2-0 1-1 2-1
2-1 0-2 2-0
3-2 1-3 2-1
34
Group B
Club Profile
Although their position as the top club in Uzbekistan has been usurped in recent years by Bunyodkor, Pakhtakor hold the distinction of being the only team to have qualified for all 10 editions of the AFC Champions League. Having finished in the top two in the Uzbek League in every season since 2001, the Tashkent-based side dropped to third last year. But they gained some consolation by winning the Uzbek Cup for a record 11th time with a 3-1 win over Nasaf in the final. For all of their domestic success, Pakhtakor have, so far, failed to deliver on the continental stage. They reached the semi-finals in the first two seasons of the AFC Champions League in 2003 and 2004 but did not get past the group stage again until 2009 when they went out in the quarter-finals. They made it to the round of 16 in 2010 but their youthful team, which featured only four players over the age of 25, fell at the group stage last year after managing only a single win.
Coach Dejan Djurdjevic

Serbian coach Dejan Djurdjevic took charge of Pakhtakor in December when he replaced Murod Ismailov, who had been appointed caretaker coach after the dismissal of former Uzbekistan national coach Ravshan Haydarov last September. The 44-year-old, who played as a midfielder at clubs in his native Serbia, Greece and Sweden during his career, has a reputation for bringing out the best in young players. He was coach of Serbias U-17 national team from 2007 to 2008 and had a spell in charge of his former club FK Cukaricki before leading OFK Beograd to third place in the Serbian Super League in 2010.
Star Players Sherzod Karimov

Since he was signed from Qyzylqum before the 2009 season, Sherzod Karimov has firmly established himself in the heart of the Pakhtakor midfield. Over the past two seasons, the 23-year-old has appeared regularly for his club in the Uzbek League and the AFC Champions League and contributed some important goals to the team. Karimov, who began his career at Shayxontohur Taskent before he joined Qyzylqum, represented Uzbekistan at U-19 and U-20 level before he made his senior international debut in 2009.
Stanislav Andreev
One of the brightest prospects in Uzbekistan football, Stanislav Andreevs career has taken off since he joined Paktakhor from Tupalang in 2007. He made his international debut for Uzbekistan in 2009 at the age of 20 and, while he mainly plays as a winger for his club, he was utilised at left-back by his country during the AFC Asian Cup 2011. While he is not the paciest of players, the versatile 23-year-old possesses plenty of skill, is a good passer and crosser of the ball and is excellent in dead-ball situations. He scored twice and played in all six of Pakhtakors matches during last years AFC Champions League.
Sanibal Orahovac
Signed during the off-season from Montenegrin side Buducnost Podgorica, veteran forward Sanibal Orahovac brings plenty of experience with him to Pakhtakors youthful squad. Prior to his arrival in Tashkent, the well-travelled 33-year-old had played for clubs in four different countries during his 15-year career. He started at Mladost Podgorica in his native Montenegro and enjoyed his greatest success during a three-year spell with Serbian side Red Star Belgrade that included a league championship and two cup titles. Following stints at clubs in Portugal and Germany, he signed for Buducnost for a second time in 2011 but left soon afterwards to join Pakhtakor.
Young star Vladimir Kozak

A graduate of the Pakhtakor football academy, Vladimir Kozak made his senior debut for the club in 2009 at the age of 16 when he appeared in a league match against Metallurg. A versatile wide man, who can play either as a left-back or a left winger, the 18-year-old possesses plenty of pace and is also an excellent dribbler. He was one of the key members of the Uzbekistan side that reached the quarter-finals of the AFC U-19 Championship in China in 2010 and he started for Pakhtakor in all six of their games in last years AFC Champions League.
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35
Group B Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
20:35
Match
Al Ittihad (KSA) vs Pakhtakor (UZB)
Score
___ ___
06/03/2012 (Tuesday)
18:50 Baniyas (UAE) vs Al Arabi (QAT)
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Matchday 2
17:30
Pakhtakor (UZB)
vs Baniyas (UAE)
20/03/2012 (Tuesday)
18:30 Al Arabi (QAT) vs Al Ittihad (KSA)
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___ ___
Matchday 3
18:00
Pakhtakor (UZB)
vs Al Arabi (QAT)
20:45 Al Ittihad (KSA) vs Baniyas (UAE)
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___ ___
Matchday 4
19:00
Al Arabi (QAT)
vs Pakhtakor (UZB)
17/04/2012 (Tuesday)
19:05 Baniyas (UAE) vs Al Ittihad (KSA)
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___ ___
Matchday 5
18:30
Pakhtakor (UZB)
vs Al Ittihad (KSA)
19:00 Al Arabi (QAT) vs Baniyas (UAE)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
21:00
Al Ittihad (KSA)
vs Al Arabi (QAT)
19:20 Baniyas (UAE) vs Pakhtakor (UZB)
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___ ___
36
GROUP C
Group C
Sepahan (IRN)
Al Ahli (KSA)
Lekhwiya (QAT)
Al Nasr (UAE)
Sepahan (IRN)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1944 249 Hakim Nezami Street, P.O. Box 81655-838 Esfahan, Iran (+98) 311 624 8403 (+98) 311 628 9025 info@fooladsepahansport.com www.fooladsepahansport.com Foolad Shahr Stadium 12,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Seyed Hamed Asfa (+98) 913 119 7764 (+98) 913 628 9025 info@fooladsepahansport.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Sepahan (IRN) Al Nasr (UAE) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan MD2 March 21, 20:30 Al Ahli (KSA) Sepahan (IRN) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD3 April 3, 20:00 Sepahan (IRN) Lekhwiya (QAT) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan MD4 April 18, 19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) Sepahan (IRN) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 3 2011, 10, 03 Cup: 3 2007, 06, 04 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Quarter-finals 2010 Group stage 2009 Group stage 2008 Group stage ACC: MD6 May 15, 20:30 Sepahan (IRN) Al Ahli (KSA) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan All kick-off times are local and subject to change ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate 2007 Runners-up 2005 Group stage 2004 Group stage
MD5 May 01, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Sepahan (IRN) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Runners-up P W 34 17 D 10 L 7 F 53 A Pts 38 58 2008-09 League 4th P W 34 14 D 14 L 6 F 46 A Pts 34 56 2009-10 League Champions P W 34 19 D 10 L 5 F 67 A Pts 30 67 2010-11 League Champions P W 34 18 D 12 L 4 F 56 A Pts 29 66
Cup Quarter-finals Lost 4-2 to Pegah
Cup 2nd round Lost 1-0 to Piroozi
Cup Quarter-finals Lost 1-0 to Saba Battery
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Piroozi 4-2 on penalties after 0-0 draw
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Kuruvchi Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Ittihad (SYR) 1-1 2-1 0-2
2009 Group stage A

0-2 1-0 1-2 GS GS GS Ettifaq Bunyodkor Al Shabab Al Arabi
2010 Group stage A

1-2 2-2 1-2 GS GS GS Al Shabab Al Ain Pakhtakor
1-1 0-2 1-2 GS GS GS Al Sadd Bunyodkor Al Hilal Al Jazira Al Gharafa 0-3 (H)* 2-1 (A) 3-1 (H) QF R16 GS GS GS
H
3-0 0-1 2-0
H
1-0 0-0 2-0
1-1 5-1 2-0
2-1 4-1 0-1
* Al Sadd awarded 3-0 win because Sepahan fielded an ineligible player
40
Group C
Club Profile
Reigning Iranian league champions Sepahan were something of a sleeping giant until the early 1990s when they were bought by the cement factory of Esfahan. The clubs ownership later changed hands but Sepahan have been a force in Iranian football during the past decade, winning three league titles and three Hazfi Cup and qualifying for the AFC Champions League on eight occasions. They reached the 2007 AFC Champions League final, which they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Japans Urawa Red Diamonds, but they gained some consolation by becoming the first Iranian club to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. They went out in the quarter finals last year to the eventual winners, Al Sadd. They beat the Qatari side in both legs of the tie but their 1-0 win in the first game was overturned and awarded as a 3-0 victory to Al Sadd after Sepahan had fielded an ineligible player. The club have rallied to overcome the departures, during the summer, of goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati, defender Ehsan Hajisafi and coach Amir Ghalenoei, who has been replaced by the former Montenegro national coach, Zlatko Kranjcar.
Coach Zlatko Kranjcar

The 55-year-old Croatian is back in Iran for a second spell after taking charge of Montenegro in the qualifiers for the 2012 European Championship. Having led Croatia to the FIFA World Cup in 2006, Kranjcar had a brief spell at Piroozi in 2009 before his appointment by Montenegro. His team began strongly in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, winning their first three games but he was sacked last September after a 2-1 loss to Wales put their qualifying hopes in jeopardy. He took over from his compatriot Luka Bonacic at Sepahan a month later and helped rejuvenate the Yellows quest for a third straight league title after a slow start to the season.
Star Players Moharram Navidkia

Regarded as one of Irans most skilful and intelligent players, Moharram Navidkias career has unfortunately been blighted by injury, which prompted the 29-year-old to quit international football in 2009 and focus on playing for Sepahan, his hometown club. Navidkia rose to prominence when he helped Sepahan to win their first Iranian league title in 2003. He was named the leagues best player the following year and earned a move to VfL Bochum although a knee injury limited his impact at the German club. He returned to Sepahan in 2006 and skippered them to the AFC Champions League final the following year and consecutive league titles in 2010 and 2011.
Mehdi Seyed-Salehi
After three seasons away at Paykan and Esteghlal, striker Mehdi Seyed-Salehi, 30, returned to Sepahan for a second spell at the start of the 2011-12 campaign. The 1.9 metre-tall forward initially joined the Esfahan club in 2001 from Rah Ahan and enjoyed tremendous success there as he helped Sepahan to win the Iranian league title in 2003 and the Hazfi Cup in 2004 and 2007. He also helped them to reach the AFC Champions League final in 2007 when he was the clubs leading scorer in the competition with five goals.
Mohsen Bengar
The 32-year-old central defender has been a Sepahan stalwart for the last eight seasons, winning the Iranian league and Hazfi Cup twice and reaching the final of the AFC Champions League in 2007. The Iran international has been crucial at the back this season as Sepahan have had to deal with the departures of goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati and captain Hadi Aghily and a long-term injury for Jalal Hoseini. But led by Bengar, the Esfahan side have one of the best defensive records in the league and are in strong contention to win their third consecutive league title.
Young star Omid Ebrahami

A native of Esfahan, defensive midfielder Omid Ebrahami was plucked out of Iranian second tier side Shahrdari Bandar Abbas by Sepahan two years ago and has since picked up a league winners medal with his hometown club. Despite his diminutive size, the 24-year-old is a strong runner who gets everywhere and has started to get forward more, becoming the clubs regular penalty taker.
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41
Al Ahli (KSA)
Club
Established Address Telephone Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1937 PO Box 12333, Jeddah 21473, KSA (+966) 2670 6222 (+966) 2673 4606 alahli@alahlisc.com www.alahlisc.com Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium 17,200
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax Email Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Qarni (+966) 555 643 264 (+966) 2673 4606 abu-khalid@hotmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Ahli (KSA) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD2 March 21, 20:30 Al Ahli (KSA) Sepahan (IRN) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD3 April 3, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Al Ahli (KSA) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai MD4 April 18, 20:45 Al Ahli (KSA) Al Nasr (UAE) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD5 May 01, 20:45 Al Ahli (KSA) Lekhwiya (QAT) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD6 May 15, 20:30 Sepahan (IRN) Al Ahli (KSA) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 2 - 1984, 78 Cup: 5 - 2007, 02, 1998, 70, 57 Continental Record ACL: 2010 Group stage 2008 Group stage 2005 Quarter-finals 2003 3rd qualifying round ACC: ACWC: ASC: 1986 Runners-up 2000 Quarter-finals Did not compete
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 8th P W 22 7 D 5 L 10 F 30 A Pts 31 26 2008-09 League 3rd P W 22 11 D 7 L 4 F 33 A Pts 20 40 2009-10 League 6th P W 22 7 D 7 L 8 F 28 A Pts 29 28 2010-11 League 6th P W 26 11 D 4 L 11 F 48 A Pts 41 37
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Ettifaq 4-3 on aggregate
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Al Fateh 2-1
Cup Runners-up Lost to Al Hilal 2-1 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Hilal 4-3 on penalties after 2-2 draw
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Al Sadd Al Karama Al Wahda 2-2 1-1 0-0
2009 A
1-2 0-0 1-2 GS GS GS
2010 Group stage H

Esteghlal Al Gharafa Al Jazira 1-2 0-1 5-1
2011 A
1-2 2-3 2-0 GS GS GS
Did not qualify
Did not qualify
42
Group C
Club Profile
Founded in Jeddah in 1937, Al Ahli are regarded as one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia and are the city rivals of two-time AFC Champions League winners Al Ittihad. Although they have often found themselves in the shadow of their local rivals, Al Ahli have enjoyed plenty of success themselves, winning the Saudi league twice in 1978 and 1984, the Crown Prince Cup on five occasions and the Kings Cup a record 10 times. While they have yet to lift a continental title, they went close in 1986 when they reached the Asian Club Championship final in Jeddah but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Korean side Daewoo Royals. They have taken part in four previous editions of the AFC Champions League but only reached the knockout stage once so far in 2005 when they lost 4-3 on aggregate to Chinas Shenzhen Jianlibao in the quarter-finals. They failed to get past the group stage in 2008 and 2010, winning only two of the 12 games that they played in those campaigns.
Coach Karel Jarolim

A former Czechoslovakia international player, Karel Jarolim accepted his first coaching post at Czech side Dukla Pribram in 1997, two years after he had retired as a player. In 2000, he was put in charge of his former club Slavia Prague but spent only a year with the Czech giants before he was appointed as an assistant coach by French side Racing Strasbourg. After two seasons in France and a two-year stint with Czech club FC Slovacko, he returned to Slavia for a second time and enjoyed a successful five-year spell there as the club won two league titles. He moved to Slovakia in 2010 and led Slovan Bratislava to the domestic double last season before he was appointed coach of Al Ahli last September.
Star Players Taisir Al Jassim

Creative midfielder Taisir Al Jassim began his career with Al Ahli at the age of 18 and he has remained with the Jeddah club ever since apart from loan spells at Qatari sides Al Gharafa in 2007 and Qatar SC in 2009. The 27-year-old midfielder played a key role in Al Ahlis victory in the 2011 King Cup, which secured the club a spot in this years AFC Champions League. A regular for the Saudi national side since 2004, he played for his country in their 1-0 loss to Iraq in the AFC Asian Cup final in 2007.
Amad Al Hosani
Oman international striker Amad Al Hosani has become one of the key players at Al Ahli since joining the club from Qatari side Al Rayyan last season. The 27-year-old began his career with Omani club Al Khaburah but since moving to Al Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in 2004, he has played his club football outside his homeland. He spent three seasons with Qatar SC and one with Al Rayyan before joining Belgian side Charleroi for a short spell in 2009. He returned to Al Rayyan in 2010 but left soon afterwards for Al Ahli.
Victor Simoes
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian striker Victor Simoes began his career with Flamengo and made a major impression in the Belgian league with Germinal Beerschot and Club Brugge, where he won the league championship in 2005. Following a spell with Brazilian side Figueirense, he joined Chunnam Dragons in 2007 and scored twice for the K-League club during their AFC Champions League campaign the following year. The 30-year-old returned to Brazil to play for Botafogo in 2009 before he joined Al Ahli the following year.
Young star Yasser Al Fahmi

Yasser Al Fahmi was promoted to Al Ahlis first team this season after his impressive displays for the Saudi Arabia U-20 side at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia where he scored goals against Croatia and Guatemala to help his team to reach the last 16. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the clubs most promising young players and he has already been involved in league action for the Jeddah side this season.
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43
Lekhwiya (QAT)
Club
Established Address Telephone Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1938 P.O. Box 6799, Doha, Qatar (+974) 4477 9496 (+974) 4477 9487 bilal.w.h@hotmail.com lekhwiyaclub.com Tani Bin Jassim Stadium 25,000
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax Email Adnan Mohamed Al Ali (+974) 5588 8359 (+974) 4477 9487 alali@qsl.com.qa
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Ahli (KSA) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD4 April 18, 19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) Sepahan (IRN) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD5 May 01, 20:45 Al Ahli (KSA) Lekhwiya (QAT) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD6 May 15, 19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Nasr (UAE) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 2011 Cup: Nil Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
MD2 March 21, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
MD3 April 3, 20:00 Sepahan (IRN) Lekhwiya (QAT) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 8th (2nd division) P W 14 3 D 1 L 10 F 17 A Pts 35 10 2008-09 League 4th (2nd division) P W 21 9 D 4 L 8 F 36 A Pts 32 31 2009-10 League 1st (2nd division) P x W x D x L x F x A Pts x x 2010-11 League Champions P W 22 15 D 3 L 4 F 40 A Pts 17 48
Cup Did not compete
Cup Did not compete
Cup 2nd round Lost to Al Shamal 1-0
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Gharafa 4-3 on penalties after 0-0 draw
ACL Record
44
Group C
Club Profile
Having secured promotion from Qatars second division in 2010, Lekhwiya stole the spotlight in the Qatar Stars League last year when they won the league championship in their first season in the top flight. Led by Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi, Lekhwiya finished their campaign five points ahead of the reigning three-time champions Al Gharafa. Originally founded in 1938 as Al Shorta (Police Club), the club rarely challenged for honours domestically until two years ago when they were renamed Lekhwiya and provided with some heavy financial backing which allowed them to bring in some big name players and challenge the traditional elite of Qatari football. In addition to winning the second division and top flight titles in successive seasons, they also reached the final of the Sheikh Jassem Cup in 2010 but lost 1-0 to Al Arabi. Lekhwiya have not previously played in an Asian continental club competition.
Coach Djamel Belmadi

A former Algeria international midfielder, Djemal Belmadi retired as a player with French side Valenciennes in 2009 and enjoyed immediate success as a coach when he was appointed by Lekhwiya the following year and led the top flight newcomers to the Qatar Stars League title in his first season in charge. Born in France, Belmadi made his professional debut for Paris Saint-Germain and played for a number of top European clubs including Celta Vigo in Spain, Marseille in France and Englands Manchester City as well as Qatari sides Al Gharafa and Al Khraitiat. Having already enjoyed success as a coach at the age of 35, Belmadi appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
Star Players Madjid Boughera

Born in France, Algeria international defender Madjid Boughera made his professional debut for French side Gueugnon in 2002 before moving to England in 2006 for spells at lower division sides Crewe Alexandra, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic. He enjoyed great success in Scotland after signing in 2008 for Rangers, where he won three consecutive Scottish league titles, the 2009 Scottish Cup and the 2011 Scottish League Cup. The 29-year-old also helped Algeria to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played in all three of their matches in South Africa.
Nam Tae-Hee
Young Korean midfielder Nam Tae-hee made a surprise move to Lekhwiya at the start of this year after playing for three seasons in France. The native of Busan began his career at the youth academy of English side Reading before signing his first professional contract with Valenciennes. The 20-year-old impressed with his good performances at club level, which earned him a call-up to the senior Korea Republic national side. Having already played for his country at various youth levels, he made his senior debut in a friendly against Turkey in February 2011.
Waleed Jassem
A talented midfielder, Waleed Jassem made his debut as a teenager at Al Ahli in 2002. However, he fell out with the clubs management and moved the following year to Al Rayyan, where he became a key player, as he netted goals on a regular basis during the next five seasons. He spent a season at Qatar SC before signing for Lekhwiya in 2009. He played for Qatars U-20 side before graduating to the senior national side and helping them to win the Gulf Cup in 2004 and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2007.
Young star Khalid Muftah

A former Qatar U-16 and U-19 international player, Khalid Mutftah first made an impression at Al Wakra before he was signed by Lekhwiya in 2010. He helped the club to win their first Qatar league title last season and was named the leagues best U-21 player. The 19-year-old defender was the youngest player in the Qatar squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and he played in their dramatic quarter-final loss to Japan.
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Al Nasr (UAE)
Club
Established: Address: Telephone: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1945 Oud Metha, Dubai, UAE (+971) 4335 5540 (+971) 4337 5500 info@alnasrclub.com www.alnasrclub.com Al Maktoum Stadium 10,241
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Mohamed Mubarak Abdulla Mohamed (+971) 5065 55355 (+971) 4337 0024 m.mubarak@alnasrclub.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Sepahan (IRN) Al Nasr (UAE) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan MD2 March 21, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai MD4 April 18, 20:45 Al Ahli (KSA) Al Nasr (UAE) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah MD5 May 01, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Sepahan (IRN) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 3 - 1986, 79, 78 Cup: 3 - 1989, 86, 85 Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: 1998 withdrew in 1st round 1988 Qualifying round 1994 withdrew in 1st round Did not participate
MD3 April 3, 20:00 Al Nasr (UAE) Al Ahli (KSA) Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
MD6 May 15, 19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) Al Nasr (UAE) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 9th P W 22 7 D 7 L 8 F 37 A Pts 39 28 2008-09 League 6th P W 22 6 D 8 L 8 F 37 A Pts 40 26 2009-10 League 10th P 22 W 7 D 2 L 13 F 37 A Pts 49 23 2010-11 League 3rd P W 22 10 D 5 L 7 F 34 A Pts 30 35
Cup 1st round Lost to Dubai 1-0
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Khaleej 3-2
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Wahda 5-3
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Al Jazira 2-1
ACL Record
46
Group C
Club Profile
Having just avoided relegation a year earlier, Al Nasr improved significantly in the 2010-11 United Arab Emirates Pro League season, finishing third their highest placing in 11 years. And with league champions Al Jazira also winning the Presidents Cup, it meant that the Dubai club secured a berth in the AFC Champions League for the first time. Nicknamed the Blue Wave, Al Nasr were founded in 1945 and are one of the countrys oldest clubs. They enjoyed their most successful era in the late 1970s when they won consecutive UAE League titles in 1978 and 1979. They enjoyed more success in the 1980s, winning a third league title in 1986 and three Presidents Cups as well as appearing in the Asian Club Championship in 1988, and they continued to be strong contenders in the league throughout the 1990s, finishing runners-up in 1997 and 2000. They had struggled since the turn of the Millennium but after a dismal 10th place performance in 2010, they revived their fortunes last season to gain a spot among the continents elite in the AFC Champions League.
Coach Walter Zenga

Having taken charge of Al Nasr in January 2011, former Italy international Walter Zenga helped the team to a third-place finish in last seasons United Arab Emirates Pro League. Zenga spent 12 years as a player at Inter Milan and was Italys first choice goalkeeper at the 1988 European Championship and 1990 FIFA World Cup. He also played for Sampdoria and Padova before becoming player-coach at Major League Soccers New England Revolution in 1999. The 51-year-old had coaching stints in Romania, Serbia and Turkey and a spell with UAE side Al Ain before taking charge of Italian sides Catania and Sampdoria. He returned to the Middle East in May 2010 to coach Saudi Arabias Al Nassr but he was dismissed just seven months later after a series of disappointing results.
Star Players Amara Diane

Having initially made his name in French football, Ivory Coast international striker Amara Diane has spent the last four years playing in the Middle East. Diane came through the youth system at Ivorian side ASEC Abidjan before moving to France, where he had spells at lower division clubs US Roye and Reims before joining Strasbourg in 2005. He spent a year there before signing for league giants Paris Saint-Germain. In 2008, he joined Al Rayyan and scored 29 goals in 53 matches over two seasons. The 29-year-old then played for one season with Al Gharafa, scoring twice for the Doha club in the 2011 AFC Champions League, before making the switch to Al Nasr last October.
Luca Toni
A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, striker Luca Toni joined Al Nasr in January after a disappointing spell at Italian giants Juventus. A strong and powerful centre-forward who stands 1.96m tall, Toni made his debut for Modena as a teenager but did not make a significant impression until 2003 when he netted 30 goals to help Palermo win promotion to Serie A. The prolific striker scored 31 goals for Fiorentina in the 2005-06 season before helping Italy to win the World Cup later that year. The 34-year-old went on to spend two seasons with German giants Bayern Munich and had short spells at Roma, Genoa and Juventus before signing for Al Nasr during the January transfer window.
Salem Khamis
An experienced midfielder, Salem Khamis played for the majority of his career at Al Ahli. He made his professional debut for the Dubai club in 1999 and spent 11 years there before he joined Al Nasr in 2010, initially on loan before he joined them on a full transfer last year. The 31-year-old was a member of the United Arab Emirates national team in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup and he featured in three editions of the AFC Champions League with his former club Al Ahli.
Young star Younus Abdullah

Striker Younus Abdullah has made impressive strides with Al Nasr since he was promoted to the first team during the 2009-10 season. He appeared in 12 matches during his debut campaign and in 17 more games last year. The 20-year-old was selected to play for the United Arab Emirates in the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers although he failed to hit the target in the any of his countrys four matches.
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47
Group C Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
18:30
Match
Sepahan (IRN) vs Al Nasr (UAE)
Score
18:30 Lekhwiya (QAT) vs Al Ahli (KSA)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 2
20:00
Al Nasr (UAE)
vs
Lekhwiya (QAT)
20:30 Al Ahli (KSA) vs Sepahan (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 3
20:00
Al Nasr (UAE)
vs
Al Ahli (KSA)
03/04/2012 (Tuesday)
20:00 Sepahan (IRN) vs Lekhwiya (QAT)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
20:45
Al Ahli (KSA)
vs
Al Nasr (UAE)
19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) vs Sepahan (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 5
20:00
Al Nasr (UAE)
vs
Sepahan (IRN)
01/05/2012 (Tuesday)
20:45 Al Ahli (KSA) vs Lekhwiya (QAT)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
20:30
Sepahan (IRN)
vs
Al Ahli (KSA)
15/05/2012 (Tuesday)
19:00 Lekhwiya (QAT) vs Al Nasr (UAE)
___ ___
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48
GROUP D
Group D
Piroozi (IRN)
Al Hilal (KSA)
Al Gharafa (QAT)

Club
Established Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1958 Al Mumzar, Dubai, UAE (+971) 4 296 7755 (+971) 4 296 6605 alshababdubai@hotmail.com www.alshababdubai.com Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium 8,883
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax E-mail Adel Ahmad Abdallah (+971) 50 511 8885 (+971) 4 296 6605 alshababdubai@hotmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:00 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Gharafa (QAT) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai MD2 March 21, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Azadi Stadium, Tehran MD3 April 4, 19:30 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai MD4 April 17, 20:50 Al Hilal (KSA) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 3 2008, 1995, 90 Cup: 4 1997, 94, 90, 81 Continental Record ACL: 2009 Group stage ACC: ACWC: 1996 1st round 1992 4th place 1998 2nd round 1995 Runners-up 1991 Semi-finals Did not participate
MD5 May 01, 18:50 Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD6 May 15, 20:00 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Champions P W 22 12 D 6 L 4 F 44 A Pts 30 42 2008-09 League 5th P W 22 8 D 4 L 10 F 34 A Pts 37 28 2009-10 League 7th P W 22 8 D 4 L 10 F 35 A Pts 44 28 2010-11 League 4th P W 22 9 D 7 L 6 F 42 A Pts 32 34
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Ahli 3-1
Cup Runners-up Lost to Al Ain 1-0
Cup Runners-up Lost to Emirates 3-1
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Jazira 4-1
ACL Record
Sepahan Bunyodkor Al Ettifaq 2-1 2-0 1-4
2010 A
0-2 0-0 1-4 GS GS GS
2011 Did not qualify
Did not qualify
52
Group D
Club Profile
Founded in 1958, Al Shabab Al Arabi have long been established as one of the leading clubs in the United Arab Emirates although their trophy haul may pale in comparison to those of their rivals like Al Ain, Al Wasl and Al Ahli. Winners of the UAE League title in 1990 and 1995, they celebrated their third championship in 2008 after fending off the challenge of Al Jazira with a goalless draw against the Abu Dhabi club in their final game of the season. They have also reached the Presidents Cup on 10 occasions and won the competition four times although their most recent success was in 1997. In their only previous appearance in the AFC Champions League in 2009, they missed out on the knockout stage by just a single point after being held to a goalless draw by Uzbek giants Bunyodkor in their final group game. They also reached the semi-finals of the Asian Club Championship in 1992 and were runners-up in the Asian Cup Winners Cup in 1995 when they lost 2-1 after extra-time to Yokohama Flugels in the final.
Coach Paulo Bonamigo

Former midfielder Paulo Bonamigo turned to coaching in his native Brazil after his retirement. He began his coaching career at Rio de Janeiro side Madureira in 1998 and had spells at several Brazilian clubs including Atletico Mineiro, Botafogo and Palmeiras before he took charge of Portuguese club Maritimo in 2005. He returned to Brazil the following year and coached several clubs before he was appointed by Al Shabab Al Arabi in 2009. After a disappointing seventh place in the league in 2010, the 51-year-old guided the Dubai club to the GCC Champions League and UAE Etisalat Cup title last year as well as fourth place in the league and a spot in the AFC Champions League play-offs.
Star Players Ciel

Jociel Ferreira da Silva, better known as Ciel, began his career with Santa Cruz in 2005 and had spells at Salgueiro, Icasa and Ceara before he made his first move overseas in 2007 to join Korean side Busan IPark. The Brazilian playmaker spent only a year in Korea before he returned home. He was signed by Villa Rio but sent out on loan to several clubs before he joined Al Shabab Al Arabi in 2011. The 29-year-old has started well at the Dubai club, where he has been one of their leading scorers in the 2011-12 campaign.
Carlos Villanueva
Chilean attacking midfielder Carlos Villanueva has been one of the key creative players for Al Shabab Al Arabi since he joined the Dubai club in 2009 and he played a big role in their victories in the GCC Champions League and UAE Etisalat Cup last year. The 26-year-old began his career with Chilean side Deportes La Serena in 2003 but he made his name at Audax where he played for four seasons. He made his first international appearance for Chile in 2007 and spent a season on loan at English club Blackburn Rovers in 2008-09 before he joined Al Shabab Al Arabi.
Azizbek Haydarov
Having started his career with Lokomotiv Tashkent in 2007, Uzbek international midfielder Azizbek Haydarov joined Bunyodkor in 2008 and made a huge impact at the club as they won three consecutive league titles and a pair of Uzbek Cup titles and reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League. The 26-year-old also had an influential role for Uzbekistan during their run to the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, and his impressive performances earned him a move to Al Shabab Al Arabi last summer.
Young star Mohamed Ahmed

One of the most promising young defenders in the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed Ahmed was one of the youngest players included by coach Srecko Katanec in the national squad for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup although he did not play in Qatar. Now 22, Ahmed first came to prominence during the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup when he helped the UAE to reach the quarter-finals and scored in their 2-1 victory over Venezuela in the round of 16.
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53
Piroozi (IRN)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1963 No. 8, 15 Street, Piruzan Square, North Sheykh Bahee St, Tehran, Iran (+98) 21 88 609 390 / 88 609 395 (+98) 21 88 045 040 info@fc-perspolis.com www.fc-perspolis.com Azadi Stadium 100,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Amirali Hosseini (+98) 912 113 7784 (+98) 21 8804 5040
info@fc-perspolis.com; amir_ali_hosseiny@yahoo.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:30 Al Hilal (KSA) Piroozi (IRN) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh MD4 April 17, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Gharafa (QAT) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 9 2008, 02, 00, 1999, 97, 96, 76, 74, 72 Cup: 5 2011, 10, 1999, 91, 88 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Group stage 2009 Round of 16 2003 Group stage ACC: 2001 3rd 2000 3rd 1998 4th 1993 Quarter-finals 1992 Runners-up 1990 Champions Did not participate 1997 3rd 1988 Group stage
MD2 March 21, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
MD5 May 01, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) Azadi Stadium, Tehran MD6 May 15, 20:00 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Piroozi (IRN) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
MD3 April 04, 18:35 Al Gharafa (QAT) Piroozi (IRN) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
ACWC:
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Champions P W 34 18 D 11 L 5 F 55 A Pts 34 59 2008-09 League 5th P W 34 15 D 10 L 9 F 50 A Pts 41 55 2009-10 League 4th P W 34 13 D 14 L 7 F 46 A Pts 40 53 2010-11 League 4th P W 34 17 D 7 L 10 F 50 A Pts 36 58
Cup 2nd round Lost 3-0 to Pas Hamedan
Cup Quarter-finals Lost 2-1 to Pas Hamadan
Cup Winners Beat Gostaresh 4-1 on aggregate in final
Cup Winners Beat Malavan 4-3 on aggregate in final
ACL Record
2007 Did not qualify 2009 Round of 16
Bunyodkor Al Gharafa Al Shabab (KSA) 0-1 (H)
2010 A
1-5 0-0 R16 GS GS
2011 Group stage H

Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Wahda (UAE) Bunyodkor 3-2 1-1 1-3
Did not qualify
A
1-3 0-2 0-0 GS GS GS
3-1 1-0
54
Group D
Club Profile
Officially called Persepolis before the Islamic Revolution, Piroozi are Irans most popular club and one of the biggest in Asia. Since their founding in the 1960s, the Reds have won nine league titles, four domestic cups and the inaugural Asian Cup Winners Cup in 1990. However, despite winning the first ever Iranian Pro League title in 2003, the advent of professionalism in Iranian football has seen them caught and overtaken by other, richer clubs. If the clubs financial clout is not as great as others, the pull of its history, traditions and place in Iranian football still attracts big names, such as former Iran national bosses Ali Daei and Afshin Ghotbi. It was under Ghotbi that Piroozi had their most memorable success since the 1990s, when they pipped Sepahan to the 2007-08 title with a stoppage time winner in the last game of the season. Now with fans favourite Mustafa Denizli in charge in his second spell, and with nothing else to play for on the domestic front this season, the AFC Champions League is firmly in their sights.
Coach Mustafa Denizli

The 62-year-old from Turkey is in his second spell as head coach of Piroozi. Despite only finishing third in 2006-07 during his lone season with the Tehran giants, Denizli is fondly remembered by Piroozi fans because of the attractive football that was played under him at the Azadi Stadium. Denizli has won the Turkish championship five times with all three of the Istanbul giants Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce. He was also in charge of the Turkey national team when it came of age in the second half of the 1990s and took them to the quarter-finals of the European Championship in 2000.
Star Players Ali Karimi

The so-called Asian Maradona is in the autumn of his mercurial career but many still rate him as one of Irans best current players. Having once been on the books of Bayern Munich, the 2004 AFC Player of the Year surprised everyone when he returned to the German Bundesliga early last year after signing a six-month contract with Schalke. Karimi returned to Iran last June to sign for Piroozi, the club where he first came to prominence at the turn of the Millennium. Now in his third spell with the Reds, the 33-year-old has also been handed the club captaincy.
Mohammad Nouri
A clever attacking midfielder who has perhaps never realised his potential at international level, Mohammad Nouri has drifted in and out of Team Melli under successive managers. Signed from Saba Battery in 2010, Nouri is good on the ball with a strong shot and is dangerous from set pieces, although he can get out-muscled. The 29-year-old usually plays as a link man between the midfield and a lone striker in a position which allows him to dictate the play. But the main question is whether he and Ali Karimi can share the creative duties in the side.
Hosein Badamaki
The 30-year-old midfielder has been one of Pirouzis best players this season. A tireless runner, Badamaki covers a lot of ground and is able to add technical ability, especially with the ball at his feet, and a physical presence to his game. However, in a six-year international career, he is yet to reach double figures in appearances for Iran. Since joining Pirouzi from Aboumoslem in 2006, he has won the league title once and back-to-back Hazfi Cups.
Young star Hamidreza Ali Asgari

A two-footed, attacking player who is as comfortable down the wing as he is at full-back, Hamidreza Ali Asgari made his debut for Piroozi aged just 17. His versatility down the flanks has caused some observers to draw comparisons with Iranian great Mehdi Mahdavikia, who has become one of his teammates at the club. Iran coach Carlos Qeiroz has been impressed with the 21-year-old, inviting him to a training camp last summer. He missed most of the first half of the season through injury but he is now back in the Piroozi side after recovering.
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55
Al Hilal (KSA)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1957 P.O. Box 22544, Riyadh 11416, KSA (+966) 1 431 2222 (+966) 1 430 3595 secretary@alhilal.com www.alhilal.com Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium 22,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Abdulkarim Ali Al Jaser (+966) 5986 09339 (+966) 1 430 3595 aaljasser@yahoo.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:30 Al Hilal (KSA) Piroozi (IRN) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh MD4 April 17, 20:50 Al Hilal (KSA) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 13 - 2011, 10, 08, 05, 02, 1998, 96, 90, 88, 86, 85, 79, 77 Cup: 10 - 2011, 10, 09, 08, 06, 05, 03, 00, 1995, 64 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Round of 16
2006 Group stage 2004 Group stage 2003 Group stage
MD2 March 21, 18:30 Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Hilal (KSA) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD3 April 4, 19:30 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Hilal (KSA) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
MD5 May 01, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
2010 Semi-finals 2009 Round of 16 2007 Quarter-finals 2001 Quarter-finals 2000 Champions 1999 Quarter-finals 2002 Champions 1997 Champions 2002 Runners-up 2000 Champions
ACC:
1998 Semi-finals 1991 Champions 1986 Runners-up 1990 Semi-finals
MD6 May 15, 21:00 Al Hilal (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh
ACWC: ASC:
1997 Champions
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Champions P W 22 14 D 6 L 2 F 36 A Pts 13 48 2008-09 League Runners-up P W 22 15 D 5 L 2 F 41 A Pts 9 50 2009-10 League Champions P W 22 18 D 2 L 2 F 56 A Pts 18 56 2010-11 League Champions P W 26 19 D 7 L 0 F 52 A Pts 18 64
Cup Winners Beat Ettifaq 2-0 in final
Cup Winners Beat Al Shabab 1-0 aet in final
Cup Winners Beat Al Ahli 2-1 in final
Cup Winners Beat Al Wahda 5-0 in final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Round of 16
Umm Salal Saba Battery Pakhtakor Al Ahli (UAE) 0-0 (H) 3-4 pens R16
2010 Semi-finals A
Zobahan Al Gharafa Bunyodkor Al Sadd Mes Kerman Al Ahli (UAE) 0-1 (A) 0-1 (H) 3-0 (H) 2-4 (A) 3-0 (H) SF QF R16 GS GS GS
2011 Round of 16
Al Ittihad Sepahan Al Gharafa Al Jazira 1-3 (A)
A
1-1 1-0 3-2
R16 GS GS GS
1-1 2-0 2-1
1-0 1-1 3-1
GS GS GS
0-0 3-1 1-1
3-0 1-3 3-2
1-2 2-0 3-1
56
Group D
Club Profile
Al Hilal are regarded as one of Asias most successful club sides, having won two Asian Club Championships in 1991 and 2000, plus a pair of Asian Cup Winners Cups and two Asian Super Cups. However, the Riyadh giants, who have also won the Saudi League a record 13 times, have yet to achieve success in the AFC Champions League despite qualifying for seven of the first nine editions of the competition. After failing to progress past the group stage in their first three appearances in 2003, 2004 and 2006, Al Hilal finally reached the quarter-finals in 2007 but lost on away goals to Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates. Their best performance in the competition came in 2010 when they went all the way to the semi-finals before losing 2-0 on aggregate to Irans Zobahan. Their frustrations continued last year when they won the Saudi domestic double but lost 3-1 to Saudi league rivals Al Attihad in the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League.
Coach Ivan Hasek

Following the dismissal of Thomas Doll in January, Al Hilal appointed former Czech international midfielder Ivan Hasek as their new head coach. The 48-year-old, who was the captain of Czechoslovakia at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, spent much of his playing career with Czech giants Sparta Prague and also had spells with J.League sides Sanfrecce Hiroshima and JEF United Chiba before retiring in 1998 and becoming coach of Sparta. The well-travelled Czech went on to coach French clubs Strasbourg and Saint Etienne, J.League outfit Vissel Kobe and UAE sides Al Wasl and Al Ahli before becoming the Czech Football Association president and Czech Republic national team coach in 2009. He resigned last year and returned briefly to Al Ahli before his appointment by Al Hilal.
Star Players Osama Hawsawi

A solid and dependable defender, Osama Hawsawi began his career at his hometown club Al Wahda and made his professional debut for the Mecca side in 2005. He made his international debut for Saudi Arabia two years later and was an ever-present in the side that finished runners-up at the AFC Asian Cup in 2007. After three impressive seasons with Al Wahda, he moved to Al Hilal in 2008 and celebrated back-to-back league titles with the Riyadh club in 2010 and 2011. The 27-year-old has appeared for the club in three editions of the AFC Champions League and has been appointed the club captain.
Mohamad Al Shalhoub
Mohamed Al Shalhoub has been an influential figure at Al Hilal since joining the club 11 years ago. The 31-year-old is well known for his creativity and has always proved his worth in midfield whether with the club or the national team. Al Shalhoub was nominated for the AFC Player of the Year award in 2006 when he finished third. While Al Shalhoub who is known as Baby Maradona at Al Hilal - usually bosses the game from midfield, he is also a good finisher as he showed by emerging as the top scorer in the Saudi league in the 2009-10 season with 12 goals.
Youssef El Arabi
French-born Moroccan international striker Youssef El Arabi made his name in France when he scored 17 goals in 38 games for his Caen last season. His good performances and prolific scoring record attracted interest from Spanish side Sevilla and Italys Genoa but he signed a four-year deal with Al Hilal last September. El Arabi has made a good start with the Riyadh side and was their leading scorer at the midway point of the season after bagging 10 goals in his first 15 matches for the team.
Young star Hussam Al Harthi

A product of the youth system at Al Hilal, young midfielder Hussam Al Harthi has emerged as a player to watch at the Riyadh club this season. Having played in Al Hilals season-opening match at Hajer in September, the 19-year-old has gone on to make frequent appearances in the first team for the reigning Saudi League champions.
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57
Al Gharafa (QAT)
Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1979 PO Box 4767, Azigawa, Doha, Qatar (+974) 4489 1555 (+974) 4486 8656 algharafaclub@algharafa.com www.algharafa.com Tani Bin Jassim Stadium 25,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Taha Essa Al Muhaza (+974) 5335 8656 (+974) 4486 8656 tdiving2002@hotmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:00 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Al Gharafa (QAT) Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai MD2 March 21, 18:30 Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Hilal (KSA) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha MD4 April 17, 17:00 Piroozi (IRN) Al Gharafa (QAT) Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 7 - 2010, 09, 08, 05, 02, 1998, 92 Cup: 6 - 2009, 02, 1998, 97, 96, 95 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Group stage 2010 Quarter-finals 2009 Group stage ACC: ACWC: 1991 Preliminary round 1998 Quarter-finals 1997 2nd round 1996 1st round Did not participate 2008 Group stage 2006 Group stage 2003 Qualifying round
MD5 May 01, 18:50 Al Gharafa (QAT) Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
MD3 April 4, 18:35 Al Gharafa (QAT) Piroozi (IRN) Tani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
MD6 May 15, 21:00 Al Hilal (KSA) Al Gharafa (QAT) Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh All kick-off times are local and subject to change
ASC:
Domestic Record
2007-08 League Champions P W 27 20 D 2 L 5 F 72 A Pts 35 62 2008-09 League Champions P W 27 17 D 5 L 5 F 56 A Pts 33 56 2009-10 League Champions P W 22 16 D 5 L 1 F 55 A Pts 16 53 2010-11 League Runners-up P W 22 14 D 1 L 7 F 51 A Pts 31 43
Cup Runners-up Lost to Umm Salal 4-1 on penalties after 2-2 draw in final
Cup Winners Beat Al Rayyan 2-1 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Rayyan 2-1
Cup Runners-up Lost to Al Rayyan 2-1 after extratime in final
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Arbil Pakhtakor Al Qadisiya 0-1 2-2 0-1
2009 Group stage A

1-1 0-2 0-1 GS GS GS Al Shabab Piroozi
0-1 1-3 Al Hilal Pakhtakor Al Jazira Al Ahli (KSA) Esteghlal 0-3 (A) 4-2 (H) 1-0 (H) QF R16 GS GS GS
2011 Group stage H

Al Jazira Al Hilal Sepahan 5-2 0-1 1-0
H
1-3 5-1
A
0-0 0-2 0-2 GS GS GS
4-2 3-2 1-1
2-1 1-0 0-3
58
Group D
Club Profile
Despite dominating the domestic football scene in Qatar in recent years, Al Gharafa have only reached the knockout stage once in six previous AFC Champions League appearances. That came in 2010 when they topped their group and beat Pakhtakor in the round of 16 before they bowed out in the quarter-finals after a dramatic extra-time loss to Saudi Arabias Al Hilal. However they failed to emulate that performance last year when they went out yet again at the group stage after they finished third in their section behind Sepahan of Iran and Al Hilal. The club have won seven Qatar league titles including four since they changed their name from Al Etehad in 2004. But their run of three consecutive championships came to an end last season when they finished runners-up behind top-flight newcomers Lekhwiya. However, second place was still enough to secure them a place in the AFC Champions League for a fifth consecutive year.
Coach Bruno Metsu

Bruno Metsu shot to international fame in 2002 when he led unfancied Senegal to an appearance in the World Cup quarter-finals after wins against France and Sweden. The Frenchman was appointed coach of Al Ain later that year and led the United Arab Emirates league side to victory in the inaugural AFC Champions League in 2003 and consecutive UAE league titles. He moved on to Al Gharafa in 2005 and won the Qatar league there before taking charge of the UAE national team and leading them to their first ever Gulf Cup title in 2007. The 57-year-old returned to Qatar in 2008 and led their national team to the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2011 before stepping down and returning to Al Gharafa last March.
Star Players Otmane El Assas

Moroccan defensive midfielder Otmane El Assas joined Al Gharafa in 2005 and he has played an important role in their domestic success in recent years and appeared for them in five previous editions of the AFC Champions League. The 33-year-old former Morocco international, who appeared for his country at the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004, started his career with his hometown side Olympique Khouribga before he joined United Arab Emirates side Sharjah in 2002. He had a short spell with Saudi league giants Al Ittihad in 2004 before he was signed by Al Gharafa.
Farhad Majidi
Veteran Farhad Majidi has been one of Irans leading strikers in recent years. He made his professional debut for lowly Bahman as a teenager before joining Esteghlal in 1997 for what would be his first of four spells with the Tehran giants. The 35-year-old had a short stint with Austrias Rapid Wien and also played in the United Arab Emirates for Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Ahli and Al Nasr before he returned to Esteghlal for his most recent spell in 2007. Having appeared for the Blues in three editions of the AFC Champions League, he joined Al Gharafa in December on loan.
Lawrence Quaye
Born in Ghana, midfielder Lawrence Quaye represented Qatar in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals, having been naturalised in the Gulf state after spending several years with Al Gharafa. The 27-year-old began his career in his homeland with Liberty Professionals in 2001 before joining French side Saint Etienne in 2003 and helping them to win promotion to the top flight as second division champions in his only season there. He moved to Al Gharafa in 2004 and has enjoyed great success at the Doha club, winning four league titles and playing in five editions of the AFC Champions League during his eight years there.
Young star Muayed Hassan

Having come through the youth system at Al Gharafa, striker Muayad Hassan made his first-team debut in 2010. He is one of the clubs most promising young players and was included in their squad for the last two editions of the AFC Champions League. The potential of the 20-year-old was underlined when he was called up to play for the Qatar U-23 team which is currently involved in the 2012 Olympic football qualifiers.
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59
Group D Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
20:00
Match
Al Shabab Al Arabi (IRN) vs Al Gharafa (QAT)
Score
20:30 Al Hilal (KSA) vs Piroozi (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 2
18:30
Al Gharafa (QAT)
vs
Al Hilal (KSA)
17:00 Piroozi (IRN) vs Al Shabab Al Arabi (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 3
18:35
Al Gharafa (QAT)
vs
Piroozi (IRN)
19:30 Al Shabab Al Arabi (IRN) vs Al Hilal (KSA)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
17:00
Piroozi (IRN)
vs
Al Gharafa (QAT)
17/04/2012 (Tuesday)
20:50 Al Hilal (KSA) vs Al Shabab Al Arabi (IRN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 5
18:50
Al Gharafa (QAT)
vs
Al Shabab Al Arabi
01/05/2012 (Tuesday)
17:00 Piroozi (IRN) vs Al Hilal (KSA)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
20:00
Al Shabab Al Arabi (IRN)
vs
Piroozi (IRN)
15/05/2012 (Tuesday)
21:00 Al Hilal (KSA) vs Al Gharafa (QAT)
___ ___
___ ___
60
GROUP E
Group E
Gamba Osaka (JPN)
Bunyodkor (UZB)
Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Club
Established: Address: 1980 Banpaku Kinen Koen Sports Hiroba, 3-3 Senri-Banpaku-Koen, Suita City, Osaka 565-0826, Japan (+81) 6 6875 8111 (+81) 6 6875 7778 info@sf.gamba-osaka.net www.gamba-osaka.net Expo 70 Commemorative Stadium 21,000
Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity:
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Kana Katayama (+81) 80 2409 6561 (+81) 6 6875 7775 koizumi@sf.gamba-osaka.net
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka MD2 March 20, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide MD3 April 03, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Bunyodkor (UZB) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka MD4 April 18, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Jar Stadium, Tashkent MD5 May 02, 19:30 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Steelyard, Pohang MD6 May 16, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Adelaide United (AUS) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 - 2005 Cup: 3 - 2009, 08, 1990 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Round of 16 2010 Round of 16 2009 Round of 16 2008 Champions 2006 Group stage ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 8th P W 34 14 D 8 L 12 F 46 A Pts 49 50 2009 League 3rd P W 34 18 D 6 L 10 F 62 A Pts 44 60 2010 League 2nd P W 34 18 D 8 L 8 F 65 A Pts 44 62 2011 League 3rd P W 34 19 D 10 L 5 F 71 A Pts 37 67
Cup Winners Beat Kashiwa Reysol 1-0 aet in final
Cup Winners Beat Nagoya Grampus 4-1 in final
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0
Cup Third round Lost to Mito Hollyhock 3-2 aet
ACL Record
2008 Champions
Adelaide United Urawa Reds Al Karama Chonburi Chunnam Dragons Melbourne Victory 3-0 (H) 2-0 (A) 1-1 (H) 3-1 (A) 2-1 (A) 2-0 (H) Final SF QF GS GS GS
2009 Round of 16
Kawasaki Frontale 2-3 (H)
2010 Round of 16 A
1-0 4-2 3-0 R16 GS GS GS Seongnam Chunma 0-3 (A)
2011 Round of 16 A
0-0 1-1 4-2 R16 GS GS GS Cerezo Osaka Melbourne Victory Tianjing Teda Jeju United 0-1 (H)
A
1-1 1-2 1-2
R16 GS GS GS
1-1 1-1 2-0
2-0 4-3 4-3
Shandong Luneng FC Seoul Sriwijaya
3-0 1-2 5-0
Suwon Bluewings 2-1 Henan Jianye 1-1 Spore Armed Forces 3-0
5-1 2-0 3-1
64
Group E
Club Profile
While other Japanese clubs may have had more sustained success in one competition or another, only Gamba Osaka have, in recent times, managed to claim every trophy available to J.League clubs. Since 2002, the team have steadily established themselves among the most dominant in Asia, winning the J.League in 2005, the J.League Cup in 2007 and the AFC Champions League in 2008 as well as the Emperors Cup in both 2008 and 2009. All of that was achieved under Akira Nishino, who left at the end of last season after a nine-year association with the club and has been replaced by Brazilian tactician Jose Carlos Serrao. Gambas record for consistency in the J.League has only been eclipsed in recent seasons by Kashima Antlers, with the Osaka club finishing second in 2010 while also claiming third place in five of the last eight seasons, including last year. Gamba became only the second Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League when they defeated Adelaide United in the 2008 final, achieving the unique feat of winning every one of their away games throughout the competition. They lost out to cross-town rivals Cerezo Osaka in the second round of last years competition.
Coach Jose Carlos Serrao

New coach Jose Carlos Serrao has a tough act to follow as he takes over from the hugely successful Akira Nishino, who masterminded almost a decade of success for Gamba Osaka during his association with the club. The 61-year-old is widely travelled and, despite the vast majority of his coaching work being done in his native Brazil, he also has experience of working in Asia having served as head coach at Korean club Suwon Samsung Bluewings in 2004. Serrao was handed the position after J.League officials overruled a move by Gamba to install former Japan international Wagner Lopes as head coach with the Brazil-born former striker not holding the required license to lead the team. As a result Lopes will act as Serraos assistant.
Star Players Yasuhito Endo

Former AFC Player of the Year Yasuhito Endo continues to be the driving force for Gamba Osaka and the Japan national team and he was instrumental in his countrys victory at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January 2011. With an eye for goal from set pieces and a creative talent to match anyone in the region, Endo is a scourge to defences right across Asia. He was nominated for the AFC Player of the Year Award in 2008 when he steered his club to the ACL title and he finally won the crown in 2009 after a number of fine performances for both Gamba and Japan.
Akira Kaji
Former FC Tokyo and Japan right-back Akira Kaji remains one of the most attack-minded defenders in Japanese football despite his decision in 2008 to retire from the international scene. Kaji, a veteran of more than 60 games for Japan and a member of Gambas AFC Champions League-winning side in 2008, is one of the most experienced players in the J.League and he was part of the Japan squad that won the AFC Asian Cup title in 2004, making him one of the few players to have won Asian titles at both club and national team levels.
Yasuyuki Konno
Versatile defender Yasuyuki Konno played a key role in FC Tokyo securing a return to the top flight and victory in the Emperors Cup final last season. However, the Japan international decided during the off-season to move to Gamba Osaka after eight years at the capital club, where he established himself as one of the most assured players in Japan following his transfer from Consadole Sapporo. Konno is capable of playing in the centre of defence where he shone for Japan during their AFC Asian Cup triumph in 2011 or on the left. The 29-year-old is equally adept at playing in midfield, where he spent much of his early career.
Young star Shohei Otsuka

A winner of the 2007 AFC U-17 Championship with Japan, Shohei Otsuka is another in the long line of talent to emerge from Gambas youth academy, which has produced the likes of current Bayern Munich midfielder Takashi Usami. Otsuka, a striker, also represented Japan at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea Republic in 2008 and was a member of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2010 Asian Games football tournament in Guangzhou.
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Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 2003 Hindmarsh Stadium, 4A Manton Street, PO Box 620, Hindmarsh SA 5007, Australia (+61) 8 8340 3000 (+61) 8 8340 3033 info@adelaideunited.com.au www.adelaideunited.com.au Hindmarsh Stadium 16,500
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Nic Kerber (+61) 4 4899 4435 (+61) 8 8340 3033 nic.kerber@adelaideunited.com.au
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Adelaide United (AUS) Jar Stadium, Tashkent MD2 March 20, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide MD3 April 03, 20:00 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Adelaide United (AUS) Steelyard, Pohang MD4 April 18, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide MD5 May 02, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Bunyodkor (UZB) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide MD6 May 16, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Adelaide United (AUS) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic honours League: Nil Premiership: 1 2006 Continental record ACL: 2010 Round of 16 2008 Runners-up 2007 Group stage ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 6th P W 21 6 D 8 L 7 F 31 A Pts 29 26 2008-09 League Runners-up P W 21 11 D 5 L 5 F 31 A Pts 19 38 2009-10 League 10th P W 27 7 D 8 L 12 F 24 A Pts 33 29 2010-11 League 3rd P W 30 15 D 5 L 10 F 51 A Pts 36 50
Play-offs Did not qualify
Play-offs Runners-up Lost to Melbourne Victory 1-0 in Grand Final
Play-offs 4th Lost to Gold Coast United 3-2
ACL Record
2008 Runners-up
Gamba Osaka Bunyodkor Kashima Antlers Pohang Steelers Changchun Yatai Binh Duong 0-3 (A) 0-2 (H) 3-0 (H) 0-1 (A) 1-1 (A) 1-0 (H) Final SF QF GS GS GS
2010 - Round of 16
Jeonbuk Motors 2-3 (H) aet
2011 A
0-0 2-0 0-1 R16 GS GS GS
Did not qualify
1-0 0-0 4-1
2-0 0-0 2-1
Pohang Steelers 1-0 Shandong Luneng 0-1 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-2
66
Group E
Club Profile
Formed in 2003 as members of the now-defunct National Soccer League, Adelaide United emerged as premiership winners during the inaugural A-League season in 2005-06. They failed to get past the group stage of the AFC Champions League on their debut in 2007 but they became the first Australian side to reach the final the following year, eliminating J.League champions Kashima Antlers in the quarter-finals and stunning Uzbek giants Bunyodkor in the last four. However, their dream ended in the final as they were well beaten by Japans Gamba Osaka. The South Australian side qualified again in 2010 and topped their group, finishing ahead of defending champions Pohang Steelers. But they went out in the Round of 16 after losing 3-2 to Jeonbuk Motors in an extratime thriller. Adelaide finished third in the A-League table in 2011, which earned them a berth in the AFC Champions League play-offs. Thanks to goals by Nigel Boogaard, Evgeniy Levchenko and Sergio van Dijk, they beat Indonesias Persipura Jayapura 3-0 in February to seal their place in the group stage.
Coach John Kosmina

A former Australia international forward, John Kosmina was the coach of Adelaide United when they joined the National Soccer League in 2003 and remained in charge when they became part of the A-League, leading them to the Premiership title in the inaugural season in 2006. Kosmina resigned after Adelaides loss to Melbourne Victory in the 2007 grand final and served as an assistant coach for the Socceroos before taking charge of Sydney FC. Following his dismissal by Sydney in early 2009, the outspoken 55-year-old worked as a television commentator and coached at lower level clubs before being re-appointed by Adelaide last December on a caretaker basis.
Star Players Eugene Galekovic

An A-League championship winner with Melbourne Victory in 2007, Eugene Galekovic joined Adelaide United the following season and played a key role in their run to the AFC Champions League final in 2008, keeping six clean sheets and allowing only four goals in 10 games. Despite the teams poor form early in the 2011-12 A-League season, the lanky 30-year-old, who was Australias first-choice goalkeeper at the 2004 Athens Olympics, has continued to impress and he was handed the club captaincy in December, replacing defender Jon McKain, following John Kosminas return as caretaker coach.
Cassio
Since joining Adelaide United in 2007, Cassio has been a huge hit with Reds fans, offering a major attacking threat for the club on the left flank and chipping in with some crucial goals. The former Flamengo player played a huge role in the clubs run to the 2008 AFC Champions League final, setting up all of the goals in the 3-0 home win over Bunyodkor in the semi-finals. Twice named Adelaides player of the year, the 32-year-old Brazilian has formed a strong attachment to the club and is reportedly close to securing an Australian passport, which would make him eligible to play for the national team.
Sergio van Dijk

Following two prolific seasons with Brisbane Roar, Sergio van Dijk joined Adelaide United in early 2010, initially on a sixmonth contract to play for the Reds in the AFC Champions League. However, the move soon became permanent and the Dutchman went on to bag the A-League golden boot in the 2010-11 season with 16 goals. Born in the Netherlands with an Indonesian father, van Dijk was offered the opportunity to play international football for the South-east Asian country. The 29-year-old has reportedly agreed to represent the Merah Putih and is in the process of applying for Indonesian citizenship.
Young star Daniel Mullen

Daniel Mullen had yet to celebrate his 19th birthday when he was brought in to replace the suspended Sasa Ognenovski for Adelaides AFC Champions League semi-final clash against Bunyodkor in 2008. However, he was able to help the Reds to keep a clean sheet in their unlikely 3-0 win over the Uzbek side. A versatile defender who can play at centre-back or right-back, Mullen, now 22, has also netted some crucial goals for his club including one against Waitakere United of New Zealand in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2008. He was named Australias U-20 Player of the Year in 2009.
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Bunyodkor (UZB)
Club
Established Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web Site Stadium Capacity 2005 3, Beruniy Street, Shaykhontohur District, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (+998) 71 150 8351 (+998) 71 150 8355 info@fcbunyodkor.com www.fcbunyodkor.com Jar Stadium 9,000
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax E-mail Ulugbek Mirzaev (+998) 94 692 1100 (+998) 71 150 8355 ulugbek_mirzaev@mail.ru
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Adelaide United (AUS) Jar Stadium, Tashkent MD4 April 18, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Jar Stadium, Tashkent
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 4 2011, 10, 09, 08 Cup: 2 2010, 08 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Round of 16 2010 Round of 16 2009 Quarter-finals 2008 Semi-finals ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
MD2 March 20, 19:30 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Bunyodkor (UZB) Steelyard, Pohang
MD5 May 02, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Bunyodkor (UZB) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
MD3 April 03, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Bunyodkor (UZB) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka
MD6 May 16, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Jar Stadium, Tashkent
Domestic Record
2008 League Champions P 30 W 25 D 4 L 1 F 75 A Pts 13 79 2009 League Champions P 30 W 28 D 2 L 0 F 85 A Pts 13 86 2010 League Champions P 26 W 20 D 5 L 1 F 45 A Pts 10 65 2011 League Champions P 26 W 19 D 4 L 3 F 51 A Pts 14 61
Cup Winners Beat Pakhtakor 3-1 (aet) in final
Cup Runners-up Lost to Pakhtakor 1-0 in final
Cup Winners Beat Shortan 1-0 in final
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Nasaf 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 aggregate draw
ACL Record
2008 Semi-finals
Adelaide Utd Saipa Al Ittihad (KSA) Sepahan Al Ittihad (SYR) 0-3 (A) 1-0 (H) 2-2 (A) 5-1 (H) SF QF GS GS GS
2009 Quarter-finals
Pohang Steelers Piroozi Ettifaq Al Shabab (UAE) Sepahan 3-1 (H) 1-4 (A) 1-0 (A) QF R16 GS GS GS
2010 Round of 16
Al Hilal (KSA) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Wahda (UAE) Zobahan 0-3 (A)
2011 Round of 16 A
1-1 2-1 0-3 R16 GS GS GS Sepahan Al Wahda (UAE) Al Ittihad (KSA) Piroozi 1-3 (A)
A
1-1 1-1 3-1
R16 GS GS GS
2-0 2-0 1-0
0-1 1-1 2-0
2-1 0-0 2-2
0-4 0-2 1-0
3-0 4-1 0-1
3-2 0-1 0-0
68
Group E
Club Profile
Since the clubs formation as Kuruvchi in 2005, Bunyodkor have enjoyed a meteoric rise in Uzbek football. They moved up from the regional league to the top flight in just two years, and finished runnersup behind Pakhtakor in 2007 before they won four consecutive league championships and two Uzbek Cups. The Tashkent side spared little expense putting together a strong squad that included established Uzbekistan internationals like Server Djeparov, Timur Kapadze and Anvarjon Soliev as well as former World Player of the Year Rivaldo. However, despite progressing past the group stage of the AFC Champions League in all four of their previous appearances, they have yet to land the title. They bowed out to Adelaide United in the semi-finals in 2008 and lost to eventual winners Pohang Steelers in the quarter-finals in 2009 after surrendering a 3-1 lead from the first leg. In the past two seasons, they have gone out in the round of 16, going down 3-0 to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in 2010 and 3-1 to Iranian side Sepahan last year.
Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov

Mirdjalal Kasimov is in his second spell as Bunyodkor coach after returning to the club in 2010 following the departure of Luis Felipe Scolari. A legend as a captain and a playmaker for his country, Kasimov turned to coaching after his retirement in 2005 and was an assistant coach for the Uzbekistan national team at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup before taking charge of Bunyodkor for the first time. He led them through to the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League before he was appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national team in September 2008, occupying that position until he returned to Bunyodkor.
Star Players Sakhob Juraev

Since he was signed from Lokomotiv in 2009, Sakhob Juraev has gradually cemented his position in the Bunyodkor defence. The quick and creative 25-year-old left-back has played regularly for the Tashkent side in the AFC Champions League during the past two seasons and he has also made a number of appearances for the national team under Vadim Abramov. In the absence of the injured Vitaly Denisov, Juraev was Uzbekistans first-choice at left-back during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and he helped his country to reach the semi-finals for the first time despite being hampered by a knee injury.
Victor Karpenko
Victor Karpenko began his career as a striker but such is the versatility of the talented Uzbekistan international that he was also deployed in central midfield and on the flanks before playing at right-back for his country at the AFC Asian Cup in 2011. The 34-year-old, who is renowned for his long-distance shooting, spent several seasons playing for clubs in Russia and Kazakhstan before returning to Uzbekistan in 2007 to join Bunyodkor, where he has become a key figure. He played in all of his clubs matches in the AFC Champions League in 2010 and 2011.
Lutfulla Turaev
Uzbekistan international midfielder Lutfulla Turaev was signed by Bunyodkor during the off-season after he starred for Nasaf during their run to the AFC Cup title last year. The 23-year-old, who began his career at Mashal before he joined Nasaf in 2009, was one of the last players to be cut from the national squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2011, but he made up for that with an excellent season for the Karshi side. He scored four goals and played every minute for Nasaf during their AFC Cup campaign and was also named in the Uzbek Leagues all-star team at the end of a season in which his side finished runners-up.
Young star Javlon Ibragimov

A talented 21-year-old midfielder, who can play either in the centre or on the right wing, Javlon Ibragimov was snapped up by Bunyodkor last year after making an impression for their Tashkent rivals Lokomotiv during the 2010 season. Ibragimov possesses very good technical abilities and pace, and helped Uzbekistans U-23 side to reach the quarter-finals of the Asian Games in Guangzhou in 2010. He started in five of Bunyodkors seven matches during the AFC Champions League last season and saw action in Uzbekistans World Cup qualifying matches against Kyrgyzstan in July.
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Club
Established Address 1973 Dong Yang Building 7F, 614-8 Jukdodong, Bukgu Pohang City, Gyeongbuk, Korea 791-843 (+82) 54 282 2002 (+82) 54 282 9500 www.steelers.co.kr admin@steelers.co.kr Pohang Steelyard 25,000
Tel: Fax: Email Website Stadium Capacity
Media Contact
Name: Mobile: Fax: Email: Cho Jung-kil (+82) 10 6472 6595 (+82) 54 282 9500 jkcho@steelers.co.kr; Pohang@steelers.co.kr
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Expo 70 Stadium, Osaka MD2 March 20, 19:30 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Bunyodkor (UZB) Steelyard, Pohang MD3 April 03, 20:00 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Adelaide United (AUS) Steelyard, Pohang MD4 April 18, 19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide MD5 May 02, 19:30 Pohang Steelers (KOR) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Steelyard, Pohang MD6 May 16, 17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Jar Stadium, Tashkent All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 4 2007, 1992, 88, 86 Cup: 2 2008, 1996 Continental Record ACL: 2010 Quarter-finals 2009 Champions 2008 Group stage ACC: 1999 Quarter-finals 1998 - Champions 1997 - Champions Did not participate 1998 Runners-up 1997 Runners-up
ACWC: ASC:
Domestic Record
2008 League 5th Lost to Ulsan Hyundai 4-2 penalties after 0-0 draw in play-offs Regular season 5th P W D L F 26 13 5 8 43 A Pts 34 44 2009 League 3rd Lost to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 1-0 in play-off semi-finals Regular season 2nd P W D L F 28 14 11 3 55 A Pts 33 53 2010 League 9th (missed play-offs) P W 28 8 D 9 L 11 F 39 A Pts 48 33 2011 League 3rd Lost to Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 in play-off semi-finals Regular season 2nd P W D L F 30 17 8 5 59 A Pts 33 59
Cup Round of 16 Lost to Gwangju Sangmu 2-1 aet
Cup Winners Beat Gyeongnam 2-0 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 2-1
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 3-0
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Adelaide United Binh Duong Changchun Yatai 0-2 0-0 2-2
2009 Champions A
0-1 4-1 0-1 GS GS GS Al Ittihad Umm Salal Bunyodkor Newcastle Jets Central Coast Kawasaki Frontale Tianjin Teda 2-1 2-0 (H) 2-1 (A) 1-3 (A) 4-1 (H) 6-0 (H) Final SF QF R16 GS GS GS
2010 Quarter-finals
Zobahan Kashima Antlers 1-2 (A) 1-1 (H) 1-0 (A) QF R16 GS GS GS
3-2 1-1 1-0
0-0 2-0 0-0
Adelaide United 0-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 Shandong Luneng 1-0
0-1 3-4 2-1
70
Group E
Club Profile
Pohang Steelers made history in 2009 when they defeated Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Tokyo to become the first team to be crowned Asian champions three times. As the POSCO Atoms, they were one of the most successful teams in the early years of the K-League winning three championships and finishing runners-up twice from 1985 to 1992. They changed their name to Pohang Steelers in 1997 and won their first Asian Club Championships that year with a 2-1 win over K-League rivals Ilhwa Chunma in the final. They repeated that feat a year later when they beat Dalian Wanda of China in a penalty shootout. Following those successes, the team did not challenge for silverware again until 2004, when they lost a penalty shootout to Suwon Bluewings in the K-League championship final. Under Sergio Farias, the team flourished as they won the K-League in 2007 and the Korean FA Cup the following year before they landed the AFC Champions League in 2009. Having finished third in the K-League last season, Pohang took on Chonburi in February for a spot in the 2012 AFC Champions League and booked their place in the group stage with a 2-0 win over the Thai club.
Coach Hwang Sun-hong

A Korean football legend, Hwang Sun-hong spent six seasons as a striker with Pohang Steelers in the 1990s, winning a pair of Asian Club Championship titles. Following his retirement in 2003, he began coaching at Chunnam Dragons, rising up to the position of assistant coach before taking up his first head coaching position at Busan IPark. Hwang failed to make a significant impact at Busan during three seasons as head coach but he enjoyed better fortune after returning to Pohang last year as the Steelers finished second in the K-League regular season standings and third in the play-offs and also reached the semifinals of the Korean FA Cup.
Star Players Derek Asamoah

Born in Accra, Derek Asamoah spent the early years of his career in Englands lower leagues, where he enjoyed a degree of success and earned a call-up to the Ghana national team. After disappointing spells at Nice in France and Scottish side Hamilton, he revived his fortunes at Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia, where he became a firm crowd favourite. Signed by Pohang in late 2010, the pacey and skilful 30-year-old, who can be deployed on either wing or as a second striker, enjoyed a solid first season in the K-League as he netted eight goals and set up another six.
Shin Hyung-min
Shin Hyung-min made his professional debut in 2008 and quickly established himself in the Pohang Steelers line-up. He played a key role in his teams run to the AFC Champions League title the following year when he started in all of their matches from the quarter-finals onwards. The versatile 25-year-old defender, who can be deployed either in the back four or as a defensive midfield, made his senior international debut for Korea Republic in 2010. He was named Pohangs captain for the 2012 season after Kim Hyung-il left the club to complete his national service.
No Byung-jun
No Byung-jun wrote his name in Pohang Steelers history in 2009 when he hammered in a free-kick to give the Korean side the lead against Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League final. The goal helped Pohang to win the match 2-1 and No was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. The 32-year-old, who joined Pohang in 2008 after spells at Chunnam Dragons and Austrian side Grazer AK, went out on loan to Ulsan Hyundai in the second half of 2010. However, he returned to the Steelers last year and made a big impact whenever he came off the bench during the season as he netted seven goals.
Young star Ko Mu-yeol

Ko Mu-yeol only made his professional debut for Pohang Steelers in the 2011 season. But such was the impact made by the 21-year-old that he appeared in 32 matches during the campaign and was the clubs second highest scorer behind Brazilian striker Mota with 11 goals. Ko, who stands 1.85 metres tall, also played for the Korea Republic U-23 squad last year during their qualifying campaign for the 2012 Olympic football tournament.
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71
Group E Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
19:00
Match
Gamba Osaka (JPN) vs Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Score
06/03/2012 (Tuesday)
17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) vs Adelaide United (AUS)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 2
19:30
vs
Bunyodkor (UZB)
20/03/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) vs Gamba Osaka (JPN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 3
20:00
vs
03/04/2012 (Tuesday)
19:00 Gamba Osaka (JPN) vs Bunyodkor (UZB)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
19:30
vs
17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) vs Gamba Osaka (JPN)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 5
19:30
vs
Gamba Osaka (JPN)
19:30 Adelaide United (AUS) vs Bunyodkor (UZB)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
19:00
Gamba Osaka (JPN)
vs
17:00 Bunyodkor (UZB) vs Pohang Steelers (KOR)
___ ___
___ ___
72
GROUP F
Group F
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
FC Tokyo (JPN)
Brisbane Roar (AUS)
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)

Club
Established Address Tel: Fax: Email Website Stadium Capacity 1983 137-1, Seobu-Dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan, Korea Republic (+82) 52 202 6141 (+82) 52 202 6145 mallsun2@hotmail.com www.uhfc.tv Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium 43,122
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Heo Jin-young (+82) 10 2210 6486 (+82) 52 202 6145 nongso-7@daum.net; nongso77@nate.com
Fixtures
MD1 - March 06, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan MD2 - March 20, 14:00 FC Tokyo (JPN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) National Stadium, Tokyo MD3 - April 04, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan MD4 - April 17, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane MD5 - May 02, 19:30 Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Workers Stadium, Beijing MD6 - May 16, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) FC Tokyo (JPN) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 2 - 2005, 1996 Cup: Nil Continental Record ACL: 2009 - Group stage 2006 - Semi-finals ACC: ACWC: ASC: 1998 - 2nd round Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 3rd Lost to FC Seoul 4-2 aet in play-off semi-finals Regular season - 4th P W D L F 26 14 7 5 39 Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Daegu 2-1 A Pts 26 49 2009 League 8th (missed play-offs) P W 28 9 D 9 L 10 F 32 A Pts 29 36 2010 League 5th Lost to Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 3-1 in play-offs Regular season - 4th P W D L F 28 15 5 8 47 Cup 2nd round
Lost to Jeju United 1-0
2011 League Runners-up Lost to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on aggregate in play-off final Regular season - 6th P W D L F 30 13 7 10 33 Cup Semi-finals
Lost to Suwon Samsung Bluewings 3-2 aet
Cup 2nd round Lost to Koyang Kookmin Bank 7-6 on penalties after 1-1 draw
A Pts 30 50
A Pts 29 46
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 - Group stage H
Nagoya Grampus Newcastle Jets Beijing Guoan 1-3 0-2 1-0
2010 A
1-4 0-1 1-0 GS GS GS
Did not qualify
76
Group F
Club Profile
Having lifted their second K-League title in 2005, Ulsan Hyundai entered the AFC Champions League for the first time the following year and reached the last four after they demolished Saudi Arabias Al Shabab 7-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. They had one foot in the final after a 3-2 away win over K-League rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the first leg but a 4-1 home loss in the return match saw them bow out. They returned to the competition in 2009 but they failed to make it past the group stage after losing four of their six games to finish third in their section. Ulsan won the K-League Cup last year with a 3-2 victory over Busan IPark in the final and they just made it into the K-League championship play-offs after a sixth-place finish in the table during the regular season. Kim Ho-gons side then defied the odds to beat FC Seoul, Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Pohang Steelers to reach the play-off finals before they succumbed 4-2 on aggregate to Jeonbuk.
Coach Kim Ho-gon

A former Korea Republic international defender, Kim Ho-gon played in the squad that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1978. A long-time assistant coach with the national team, Kim had a spell in charge of K-League club Busan IPark before taking charge of the Korea Republic U-23 side at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Following the retirement of Kim Jung-nam in 2008, he was appointed as head coach at Ulsan and after two barren seasons, he led the club to victory in the K-League Cup and an appearance in the K-League Championship final last year.
Star Players Kwak Tae-hwi

A tall and agile centre-back, Kwak Tae-hwi made his professional debut for FC Seoul in 2005 and moved two years later to Chunnam Dragons, where he won Korean FA Cup in 2007 and made his senior international debut for Korea Republic in 2008. He spent a season at Japanese side Kyoto Sanga and played for his country at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup before he joined Ulsan last year. Handed the club captaincy, he played a major role in his sides second place finish in the league as he netted nine goals during their campaign.
Lee Keun-ho
A pacey and prolific forward, Korea Republic international Lee Keun-ho signed for Ulsan in the off-season after he had played for three years in the J.League. He was twice named on the K-Leagues Best XI team while he was at Daegu before he spurned offers from Europe to move to Japanese side Jubilo Iwata in 2009. He joined Gamba Osaka midway through the 2010 season and was the joint third highest scorer in the J.League last year with 15 goals. He started in all seven of Gambas games in the AFC Champions League in 2011 and scored twice.
Lee Ho
Lee Ho began his career at Ulsan, but after he started in all three matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup for Dick Advocaats Korea Republic side, the defensive midfielder was signed by the Dutchman when he left to take charge of Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. He returned to Korea in 2009 to play for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma but he was snapped up the following year by Al Ain and played for the United Arab Emirates side in all six of their matches in the AFC Champions League in 2010 before he rejoined Ulsan.
Young star Kim Shin-wook

Standing 1.96-metres tall, Kim Shin-wook cuts an imposing figure in the Ulsan attack with his height and aerial ability. That was especially evident last season in the K-League Cup when the 23-year-old netted 11 goals in his sides victorious campaign. He was included in the Korea Republic squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 but he only played for 22 minutes in extra-time against Japan in the semi-finals. However, the former centre-backs physical presence caused problems for the Japanese defence and he made the crucial knock-down from which Korea equalised in the last minute of the game.
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FC Tokyo (JPN)
Club
Established Address Tel Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity www.fctokyo.co.jp Tokyo Stadium 49,416 1935 2-15-10 Sarue, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0023, Japan (+81) 3 3635 8960 (+81) 3 3635 8974
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax E-mail Fumitoshi Wakabayashi (+81) 80 2021 4947 (+81) 42 342 8973 f-waka@fctokyo.co.jp
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane MD4 April 17, 19:30 FC Tokyo (JPN) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: Nil Cup: 1 - 2011 Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
MD2 March 20, 14:00 FC Tokyo (JPN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) National Stadium, Tokyo
MD5 May 02, 19:30 FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) National Stadium, Tokyo
MD3 April 04, 20:00 Beijing Guoan (CHN) FC Tokyo (JPN) Workers Stadium, Beijing
MD6 May 16, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) FC Tokyo (JPN) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan
Domestic Record
2008 League 6th P 34 W 16 D 7 L 11 F 50 A Pts 46 55 2009 League 5th P 34 W 16 D 5 L 13 F 47 A Pts 39 53 2010 League 16th (relegated) P 34 W 8 D 12 L 14 F 36 A Pts 41 36 2011 League Winners (J2) P 38 W 23 D 8 L 7 F 67 A Pts 22 77
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Kashiwa Reysol 2-1
Cup 4th round Lost to Vegalta Sendai 3-0
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Kashima Antlers 2-1
Cup Winners Beat Kyoto Sanga 4-2 in final
ACL Record
78
Group F
Club Profile
FC Tokyo make their first-ever appearance in the AFC Champions League after securing their spot in the group stage by winning the Emperors Cup final against Kyoto Sanga. The victory capped a fine 2011 for the team from Japans capital after they also secured promotion to the J.Leagues top flight as second division champions having surprisingly been relegated the previous year. Amongst the best supported clubs in the country, FC Tokyo have often fallen short of expectations in the J.League, only joining the upper tier of the league in 2000 for the first time before their relegation in 2010 brought to a close a run of 11 consecutive seasons in the top flight. Prior to the Emperors Cup win the clubs first FC Tokyos only previous success had come in the J.League Cup, which they won in 2004 by defeating Urawa Reds on penalties and in 2009, when they beat Kawasaki Frontale. In their previous incarnation as Tokyo Gas FC, the club also won the Japan Football League title in 1998.
Coach Ranko Popovic

Serbian coach Ranko Popovic took over at the helm of FC Tokyo after Kiyoshi Okuma stepped down in the aftermath of the clubs success in the Emperors Cup final on New Years Day. The 44-year-old is no stranger to Japanese football. He previously served as head coach at Oita Trinita before spending 2011 in the Japan Football League with Machida Zelvia, who he guided to promotion to J2 after a third-place finish. He previously worked as an assistant coach at Austrian club Sturm Graz, where he also spent four seasons as a player, before spending a season as an assistant coach at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. In 2007 he coached FK Spartak Zlatibor Volda in his homeland prior to joining Oita.
Star Players Naohiro Ishikawa

Previously on the books of Yokohama F Marinos, Naohiro Ishikawa joined FC Tokyo in 2003 and quickly established himself as one of the key players for the Chofu-based club with his penetrative displays down the right wing. A member of the Japan squad that featured at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the 30-year-old Ishikawa has also represented the full Japan national side and was a member of the J.League Team of the Year in 2009.
Naotake Hanyu
Former Japan international Naotake Hanyu joined FC Tokyo from JEF United Chiba at the start of the 2008 season and the goal-scoring creative midfielder has been a regular at the heart of the team since. Hanyu came to prominence for Japans university team in 2001 when they won the gold medal at the Universiade, with Hanyu scoring three times during the tournament. He was a member of the Japan squad during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, playing five times as the then-defending champions reached the semi-finals.
Lucas
Brazilian striker Lucas made a triumphant return to FC Tokyo mid-way through the 2011 season, with the 33-year-old scoring twice in the 4-2 win over Kyoto Sanga in the final of the Emperors Cup. The 33-year-old is no stranger to the AFC Champions League, having scored twice in the second leg of the 2008 final while playing for Gamba Osaka. The former Stade Rennais striker spent three seasons with Gamba, who he joined in at the start of that season having spent the previous three years with FC Tokyo. He returned to Brazil with Atletico Paranaense at the start of 2011 before re-signing for FC Tokyo midway through the year.
Young star Shuichi Gonda

Having stepped in as a youngster to fill the gloves of the experienced Yoichi Doi as FC Tokyos starting goalkeeper at the start of the 2008 season, 23-year-old Shuichi Gonda has established himself over the last three seasons as one of the best young custodians in Japanese football. Gonda made his debut for the Japan national team at the start of 2010 in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen and was the first-choice between the posts as Japan sought a berth at the 2012 Olympic football tournament in London. He was also a member of Alberto Zaccheronis squad that won the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 and was in goal when FC Tokyo won the J.League Cup in 2009.
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Brisbane Roar (AUS)

Club
Established Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 2005 Locked Bag 10, Kelvin Grove BC, QLD 4059, Australia (+61) 7 3123 7100 (+61) 7 3009 0516 admin@brisbaneroar.com.au www.brisbaneroar.com.au Brisbane Stadium 52,500
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Daniel Lato (+61) 7 3123 7015; (+61) 438 830 201 (+61) 7 3009 0516 media@brisbaneroar.com.au
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane MD2 March 20, 19:30 Beijing Guoan (CHN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Workers Stadium, Beijing MD3 April 04, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan MD4 April 17, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane MD5 May 02, 19:30 FC Tokyo (JPN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) National Stadium, Tokyo MD6 May 16, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 - 2011 Cup: 1 - 2011 Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 4th P W 21 8 D 7 L 6 F 25 A Pts 21 31 2008-09 League 3rd P W 21 10 D 6 L 5 F 36 A Pts 25 36 2009-10 League 3rd P W 27 8 D 6 L 13 F 32 A Pts 42 30 2010-11 League 1st (Premiership winners) P W 30 18 D 11 L 1 F 58 A Pts 26 65
Play-offs Preliminary final Lost to Newcastle Jets 3-2 (aet)
Play-offs Preliminary final Lost to Adelaide United 1-0
Play-offs Champions Beat Central Coast Mariners 4-2 on penalties after 2-2 draw in grand final
ACL Record
80
Group F
Club Profile
After finishing second from last in the A-League in the 2009-10 campaign, Brisbane Roar engineered a remarkable turnaround last year, losing only one game during the regular season, topping the table and qualifying for the AFC Champions League for the first time. The Queensland side went on to claim their maiden league title in a dramatic grand final against Central Coast Mariners as they came from 2-0 down with three minutes left in extra-time to draw level before winning in a penalty shootout. They extended their streak of unbeaten matches in the A-League to 36 matches after going undefeated in their first eight matches of the 2011-12 season, setting a new record for an Australian club in the countrys various football codes. Originally known as Queensland Roar, the club were one of the eight founder members of the A-League in 2005 but enjoyed little success in the leagues first five seasons, finishing no higher than third and missing the championship play-offs on three occasions.
Coach Ange Postecoglou

Born in Greece, Ange Postecoglou moved to Australia at the age of five and made his name as a defender and coach in the National Soccer League at South Melbourne. Capped four times by the Socceroos, he went on to coach the Australia U-20s and Greek side Panachaiki before taking charge of Brisbane Roar midway through the 200910 season following the dismissal of Frank Farina. Postecolglou, 45, set about rebuilding the team and although they finished a disappointing ninth that year, they turned on the style in 2011-12, losing only one game in their campaign and winning both the Premiership and A-League title for the first time.
Star Players Michael Theoklitos

A winner of two A-League championships with Melbourne Victory, Michael Theoklitos has rebuilt his career at Brisbane Roar after a disastrous spell at Norwich City in 2009 which saw him concede seven goals in his only match for the English club. Theoklitos was signed by the Queensland club the following year and played a major role in their highly successful 2010-11 campaign. The 31-year-old kept 12 clean sheets during the season, went a league-record 876 minutes without conceding a goal and won the A-Leagues Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third time.
Mitch Nichols
Tipped for stardom when he was signed as an 18-year-old in 2007, Mitch Nichols firmly established himself as a key man for Brisbane Roar during the 2010-11 A-League season. He appeared in 32 games, netted six goals and proved a vital cog in midfield as the club suffered just one loss en route to their first league championship. Having represented Australia at U-20 and U-23 level, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder made his first senior international appearance in 2009 and was one of only three A-League players called up by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck for World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Thailand last November.
Sayed Mohamed Adnan

Prior to his arrival at Brisbane Roar last year, Sayed Mohamed Adnan had made his name as a key defender for the Bahrain national team and Qatari club Al Khor. He played for his country at the Asian Cup finals in 2004 and 2007 and was a runner-up for the AFC Player of the Year award in 2009. The 28-year-old centre-back signed with the A-League champions last July after impressing coach Ange Postecoglou with his composure on the ball and his pinpoint passing ability, and he has since established himself firmly at the heart of the Roar defence.
Young star Kofi Danning

Born in Ghana, Kofi Danning moved to Australia at the age of seven and nurtured his talent at the Australian Institute of Sport before joining Sydney FC and making his A-League debut in 2009 at the age of 16. Despite showing tremendous potential with his speed and strength on the ball, the Australia U-23 international suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of 2010 and he was unable to secure a regular spot in the Sydney line-up after his return. The desire for more playing time prompted the 20-year-old to sign for Brisbane before the 2011-12 season.
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Beijing Guoan (CHN)

Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1992 Stand No.18, Workers Stadium, Chao Yang District, Beijing, China (+86) 10 6552 7930 (+86) 10 6554 7932 simonjiajia@hotmail.com www.gaf.citic.com Workers Stadium 61,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Jiang Xiaojun (+86) 1351 105 3533 (+86) 10 6552 7932 jiangxiaojun@hotmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 06, 19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Munsu Stadium, Ulsan MD2 March 20, 19:30 Beijing Guoan (CHN) Brisbane Roar (AUS) Workers Stadium, Beijing MD3 April 04, 20:00 Beijing Guoan (CHN) FC Tokyo (JPN) Workers Stadium, Beijing MD4 April 17, 19:30 FC Tokyo (JPN) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo MD5 May 02, 19:30 Beijing Guoan (CHN) Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) Workers Stadium, Beijing MD6 May 16, 19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) Beijing Guoan (CHN) Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 2009 Cup: 3 2003, 1997, 96 Continental Record ACL: 2010 Round of 16 2009 Group stage 2008 Group stage ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate 1999 2nd round 1998 3rd place Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 3rd P 30 W 16 D 10 L 4 F 44 A Pts 27 58 2009 League Champions P 30 W 13 D 12 L 5 F 48 A Pts 28 51 2010 League 5th P 30 W 12 D 10 L 8 F 35 A Pts 29 46 2011 League Runners-up P 30 W 14 D 11 L 5 F 49 A Pts 21 53
No Cup competition
No Cup competition
No Cup competition
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Shandong Luneng 4-3 on penalties after 0-0 draw
ACL Record
2008 Group stage H
Nam Dinh Krung Thai Bank Kashima Antlers 3-0 4-2 1-0
2009 Group stage A

3-1 3-5 0-1 GS GS GS Newcastle Jets Nagoya Grampus Ulsan Hyundai
2010 Round of 16 A
1-2 0-0 0-1 GS GS GS Suwon Bluewings Melbourne Victory Kawasaki Frontale Seongnam Chunma 0-2 (A)
2011 A
0-0 3-1 1-3 R16 GS GS GS Did not qualify
H
2-0 1-1 0-1
1-0 2-0 0-1
82
Group F
Club Profile
Beijing Guoan won the Chinese Super League title for the first time in their history in 2009 and in the process earned a third consecutive appearance in the group stage of the AFC Champions League. The clubs first two appearances in the competition ended at the first hurdle but 2010 saw the capital side reach the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Suwon Bluewings from Korea Republic. That result which saw them become the first Chinese club to reach the knockout phase of the competition since Shanghai Shenhua in 2006 was followed by a disappointing showing in the Chinese Super League, where Beijing struggled to match the form shown the previous season and finished fifth, outside the qualification spots for the 2011 AFC Champions League and the clubs worst performance in the league since 2005. Last season saw a return to form under Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco, who took over from Wei Kexing prior to the start of the season and steered Beijing to second place, behind run-away leaders Guangzhou Evergrande. Beijings best performance in Asian competition came in 1998 when they finished third in the Asian Cup Winners Cup.
Coach Jaime Pacheco

Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco arrived in Beijing at the start of the 2011 season and steered the club to second place in the Chinese Super League, earning a berth in the 2012 AFC Champions League just a year after Beijing had endured a disappointing domestic season. Pacheco has extensive experience in his native Portugal, where he has worked as Boavista coach on three occasions, winning the league title with the club in 2001. The 53-year-old has also worked in the Spanish Primera Liga, where he coached Mallorca, and also had a spell in charge of Saudi Arabias Al Shabab.
Star Players Darko Matic

Croatian defensive midfielder Darko Matic has been a firm favourite with Beijing Guoan fans since he joined the capital side from Tianjin Teda in 2009. Generally regarded as the teams best ever foreign signing, he played a key role in Beijings first Chinese Super League championship in 2009. The 31-year-old played for clubs in Germany, Switzerland, Bosnia and Slovakia before he moved to China to join Tianjin in 2007. He helped Tianjin to finish fourth in 2008 and qualify for the AFC Champions League and he has been voted the leagues best midfielder on three occasions.
Xu Yunlong
A member of Bora Milutinovics squad when China made their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals in 2002, right-back Xu Yunlong captains Beijing Guoan and is one of the most experienced players on the clubs books. Xu, 33, has spent his entire professional career with the capital club as well as making over 70 appearances for the national team. He led the side to their only domestic league success to date in 2009 and has extensive experience of playing in the AFC Champions League.
Shao Jiayi
Creative midfielder Shao Jiayi returned to China in the winter after 10 seasons in Germany and chose to return to the club he left in 2002, when he signed for 1860 Munich as a 21-year-old. While this will be his first appearance in the AFC Champions League, the former China national team midfielder he was a member of the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad has the experience and talent to steer Beijing to success both at home and at continental level.
Young star Zhang Xizhe

Despite only turning 21 in January, midfielder Zhang Xizhe has already made his debut appearance for the full national team after being given the opportunity to impress by former coach Gao Hongbo in a friendly meeting with Costa Rica last March. Zhang spent several months playing in Singapores S-League with the clubs satellite team Beijing Guoan Talent in 2010 and has also represented China at U-20 level.
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Group F Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
19:30
Match
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) vs Beijing Guoan (CHN)
Score
06/03/2012 (Tuesday)
___ ___
19:30
Brisbane Roar (AUS)
vs
FC Tokyo (JPN)
___ ___
Matchday 2
19:30
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
vs
Brisbane Roar (AUS)
20/03/2012 (Tuesday)
14:00 FC Tokyo (JPN) vs Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 3
20:00
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
vs
FC Tokyo (JPN)
19:30 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)) vs Brisbane Roar (AUS)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
19:30
FC Tokyo (JPN)
vs
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
17/04/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) vs Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 5
19:30
Beijing Guoan (CHN)
vs
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
19:30 FC Tokyo (JPN) vs Brisbane Roar (AUS)
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 6
19:30
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
vs
FC Tokyo (JPN)
19:30 Brisbane Roar (AUS) vs Beijing Guoan (CHN)
___ ___
___ ___
84
GROUP G
Group G
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
Tianjin Teda (CHN)

Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1998 C-513, Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium, Tianjin, China (+86) 22 6628 6621 (+86) 22 6622 0600 tedafc@teda.com.cn http://sports.enorth.com.cn/teda Tianjin Teda Football Stadium 37,000
Media Contact
Name: Mobile: Fax: Email: Liu Da (+86) 1390 211 3925 (+86) 22 6622 0600 tdm850@sina.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:00 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tianjin Teda Football Stadium, Tianjin MD2 March 21, 19:00 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD3 April 03, 19:30 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tianjin Teda Football Stadium, Tianjin MD4 April 18, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya MD5 May 01, 19:30 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD6 May 15, 19:30 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Tianjin Teda Football Stadium, Tianjin All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: Nil Cup: 2 1960, 2011 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Round of 16 2009 Group stage ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 4th P 30 W 16 D 9 L 5 F 54 A Pts 29 57 2009 League 6th P 30 W 12 D 9 L 9 F 36 A Pts 29 45 2010 League 2nd P 30 W 13 D 11 L 6 F 37 A Pts 29 50 2011 League 10th P 30 W 8 D 13 L 9 F 37 A Pts 41 37
No Cup competition
No Cup competition
No Cup competition
Cup Winners Beat Shandong Luneng 2-1 in final
ACL Record
Kawasaki Frontale Central Coast Pohang Steelers 3-1 2-2 0-0
2010 A
0-1 1-0 0-1 GS GS GS
2011 Round of 16
Jeonbuk Motors Jeju United Gamba Osaka Melbourne Victory 0-3 (A)
Did not qualify
A
1-0 0-2 1-2
R16 GS GS GS
3-0 2-1 1-1
88
Group G
Club Profile
While the city of Tianjin has been home to a football club since 1957, the current Tianjin Teda side only came into being in 1998 as a second division outfit. However, they quickly won promotion to the top flight after topping the table and going unbeaten throughout the season. The club have since established their place in the Chinese Super League and between 2004 and 2010 they did not finish lower than sixth. The 2011 season, however, was a disappointing one in the league as Tianjin struggled and finished 10th. But they qualified for the 2012 edition of the AFC Champions League with a 2-1 win over Shandong Luneng in the Chinese FA Cup final. Tianjin failed to make a significant impression on their AFC Champions League debut in 2009 when they bowed out at the end of the group stage. But despite their struggles in the domestic league last season, they put in a much stronger performance in the AFC Champions League and qualified for the round of 16 with a second-place finish in their group.
Coach Josip Kuze

Following the departure of former China national team boss Arie Haan, Croatian coach Josip Kuze was appointed head coach of Tianjin Teda in late 2011, having previously worked with the Albania national team. The 59-year-old, who spent his whole career as a player with Dynamo Zagreb in his native Croatia, has worked extensively throughout the world and has had stints in Australia, with Sydney Croatia, as well as in the J.League, where he worked with Gamba Osaka and JEF United, and throughout Europe and Africa.
Star Players Li Weifeng

After a two-year spell in Korea, former China international captain Li Weifeng returned to Chinese football at Tianjin Teda at the start of 2011 and has now appeared for four different clubs in the AFC Champions League after previously playing for Shenzhen Jianlibao, Shanghai Shenhua and Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the competition. The 33-year-old is solid and dependable in defence and is a strong header of the ball. However, he has often been let down by his temperament which has resulted in him receiving a number of red cards during the course of his career.
Chen Tao
As one of the more creative players in the Chinese Super League in recent years, Chen Tao has developed into one of the most widely recognised players in China, featuring regularly for the national side during their qualification matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals. Chen joined Tianjin full-time at the start of 2011 after spending a season on loan from Shanghai Shenhua and he arrived with an impressive resume already, having featured for Chinas U-20 team at the FIFA World Youth Championships in the Netherlands in 2005 as well as winning the East Asian Championship in the same year.
Yu Dabao
A native of Qingdao, Yu Dabao caught the attention of several European clubs while he was still a teenager and he was eventually signed as an 18-year-old by Portuguese giants Benfica in 2006. However, things did not quite work out for Yu with the Lisbon side and he spent much of the next three seasons on loan at various Portuguese clubs before returning to China in 2010. Quick, strong and good in the air, the 23-year-old helped Tianjin to finish second in the China Super League in 2010 and has featured regularly for the national side since making his debut in December 2010 against Estonia.
Young star Ma Leilei

Locally-born midfielder Ma Leilei began his football career at neighbouring Tianjin Locomotive before moving to Tianjin Teda in 2008, where he made his professional debut as an 18-year-old, appearing in the group stages of the AFC Champions League. Ma was part of the China squad that captured the AFC U-17 Championship in Japan in 2004 and scored twice against Kawasaki Frontale in his first season in the AFC Champions League in 2009, when Tianjin were eliminated at the group stage.
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89

Club
Established: Address: 1989 Tancheon Complex, 486 Yatap-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi-Do, 463-839, Korea (+82) 31 709 4133 (+82) 31 709 4443 samhchun@gmail.com www.esifc.com Tancheon Sports Complex 16,000
Tel: Fax: Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity:
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Chun Hyu-sung (+82) 10 6783 4448 (+82) 31 709 4443 samhchun@gmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya MD2 March 21, 19:00 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD3 April 03, 19:00 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD4 April 18, 19:30 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD5 May 01, 19:30 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD6 May 15, 19:30 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Tianjin Teda Stadium, Tianjin All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 7 2006, 03, 02, 01, 1995, 94, 93 Cup: 2 2011, 1999 Continental Record ACL: 2010 Champions 2007 Semi-finals 2004 Runners-up 2003 Group stage ACC: 1997 Runners-up 1995 Winners 1994 Semi-finals Did not participate Did not participate
ACWC: ASC:
Domestic Record
2008 League 5th Lost to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 in play-offs Regular season 3rd P W D L F 26 16 6 4 45 A Pts 21 51 2009 League Runners-up Lost to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 3-1 on aggregate in play-off final Regular season 4th P W D L F 28 13 6 9 40 Cup Runners-up
Lost to Suwon Samsung Bluewings 4-2 on penalties after 1-1 draw in final
2010 League 4th Lost to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 1-0 in play-offs Regular season 5th P W D L F 28 13 9 6 46 Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Jeju United 2-0 A Pts 26 48
2011 League 10th (Missed play-offs) P W 30 9 D 8 L 13 F 43 A Pts 47 35
A Pts 34 45
Cup Winners Beat Suwon Samsung Bluewings 1-0 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Pohang Steelers 8-7 on penalties after 1-1 draw
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Did not qualify 2010 Champions
Zobahan Al Shabab Suwon Bluewings Gamba Osaka Kawasaki Frontale Melbourne Victory Beijing Guoan 3-1 3-4 (A) 1-0 (H) 4-1 (H) 0-2 (A) 3-0 (H) Final SF QF R16 GS GS GS
2-0 3-2 3-1
0-3 2-0 1-0
90
Group G
Club Profile
Winners of the Asian Club Championship in 1995, Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma were crowned continental champions for a second time in 2010 when they beat Iranian side Zobahan 3-1 in the AFC Champions League final. The victory in Tokyo helped to banish the painful memories of their previous appearance in the AFC Champions League final in 2004 when they lost 6-3 on aggregate after a stunning 5-0 home reverse against Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in the second leg. The club suffered further heartbreak in 2007 when they went out in the semi-finals after losing to eventual winners Urawa Red Diamonds in a penalty shootout. Despite their victory in 2010, Seongnam were unable to defend their title last year after failing to finish in the top three in the K-League. The seven-time Korean league winners slipped even further in 2011, dropping to 10th and missing the play-offs. But victory in the Korean FA Cup secured them a spot in the AFC Champions League once again.
Coach Shin Tae-yong

A former Korea Republic international midfielder, Shin Tae-yong worked as an assistant coach with Queensland Roar after hanging up his boots before he returned in 2009 to Korea to take charge of Seongnam, the club where he spent most of his career. Having won the Asian Club Championship title with the club in 1995 (when they were known as Ilhwa Chunma), Shin became the first man to win the continental title as both a player and a head coach when Seongnam won the AFC Champions League in 2010.
Star Players Sasa Ognenovski

In just five years, Sasa Ognenovski went from playing amateur football in his native Australia to winning the AFC Player of the Year award in 2010 and playing for the Socceroos in the AFC Asian Cup final in 2011. Signed by Queensland Roar at the age of 27, the 1.95m-tall centre-back caught the attention of Seongnam when he helped Adelaide United to reach the AFC Champions League final in 2008. He joined the Korean club the following year and captained them to victory in the 2010 AFC Champions League, scoring the opener in their 3-1 win over Zobahan in the final.
Hwang Jae-won
Hwang Jae-won began his professional career in 2004 with Pohang Steelers, a club where he enjoyed much success over six and a half seasons. He helped Sergio Farias side to win the K-League in 2007 and the Korean FA Cup the following year before he captained them to victory in the 2009 AFC Champions League final. A nominee for the AFC Player of the Year award in 2009, he joined Suwon Bluewings the following year and helped to shore up their defence as they won the Korean FA Cup. The 30-year-old Korea Republic international signed for Seongnam during the off-season after he missed much of the 2011 campaign because of a knee injury.
Ha Kang-jin
Ha Kang-jin made his professional debut for Suwon Bluewings in 2010 and looked set to succeed Lee Woon-jae after going between the posts in place of the veteran goalkeeper for their Korean FA Cup final victory over Busan IPark. However, he moved to Seongnam last year after Suwon had signed Korea Republic international goalkeeper Jung Sungryong and firmly established himself as the clubs first-choice goalkeeper. The 23-year-old played a key role in Seongnams FA Cup final victory over Suwon in 2011, shutting out his former club in a 1-0 win.
Young star Yoon Bit-garam

The captain of the Korea Republic team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007, Yoon Bit-garam made his professional debut for Gyeongnam in 2010, winning the K-Leagues Rookie of the Year award that season and being named in the leagues Best XI the following year. Regarded as one of the brightest young talents in his country, the 21-year-old midfielder shot to international fame at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup when he came on as a substitute against Iran in the quarter-finals and scored a spectacular extra-time winner.
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Club
Established: Address: Telephone: Fax: Website: Email: Stadium: Capacity: 1991 7F, Hiyasa YS Building, 5-1-32, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi, Japan 460-0008 (+81) 52 242 9190 (+81) 52 242 9194 www.nagoya-grampus.jp iwamitsu@nagoya-grampus-eight.co.jp Mizuho Athletic Stadium 20,000
Media Contact
Name: Mobile: Fax: Email: Eiji Tomura (+81) 90 7850 7791 (+81) 52 242 9194 tomura@nagoya-grampus-eight.co.jp
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya MD2 March 21, 19:30 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD3 April 03, 19:30 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tianjin Teda Stadium, Tianjin MD4 April 18, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya MD5 May 01, 19:30 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD6 May 15, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 - 2010 Cup: 2 - 1999, 95 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Round of 16 2009 Semi-finals ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate 2001 Quarter-finals 1997 Runners-up Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 3rd P 34 W 17 D 8 L 9 F 48 A Pts 35 59 2009 League 9th P 34 W 14 D 8 L 12 F 46 A Pts 42 50 2010 League Champions P 34 W 23 D 3 L 8 F 54 A Pts 37 72 2011 League Runners-up P 34 W 21 D 8 L 5 F 67 A Pts 36 71
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Gamba Osaka 2-1
Cup Runners-up Lost to Gamba Osaka 4-1 in final
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Kashima Antlers 2-1
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Yokohama F.Marinos 4-3 on penalties after 0-0 draw
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Semi-finals
Al Ittihad 2-6 (A) 1-2 (H) Kawasaki Frontale 1-2 (A) 3-1 (H) Suwon Bluewings 2-1 (H) SF QF R16 GS GS GS
2011 Round of 16
Suwon Bluewings 0-2 (A)
A
0-2 1-3 2-0
R16 GS GS GS
Ulsan Hyundai Beijing Guoan Newcastle Jets
4-1 0-0 1-1
3-1 1-1 1-0
Hangzhou Greentown 1-0 Al Ain 4-0 FC Seoul 1-1
92
Group G
Club Profile
Nagoya Grampus return for their third appearance in the AFC Champions League after once again reaching the knockout stages in the 2011 edition of the continental club championship. Grampus backed up a year that had seen them win their first-ever J.League crown in 2010 by finishing as runners-up in 2011 behind new champions Kashiwa Reysol while also making it through to the round of 16 in the AFC Champions League. However, Dragan Stojkovics side were unable to build on their previous performance in the competition, when they progressed as far as the last four in 2009 but missed out on a place in the final to Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. Despite that, Grampus continued to enjoy a period of relative success that has been a long time coming for a club long seen as one of the greatest underachievers in Japanese football. Prior to 2010, their previous best performance in the league came in 1996 when they finished as runners-up with Carlos Queiroz at the helm, the same year they reached the final of the Asian Cup Winners Cup.
Coach Dragan Stojkovic

Dragan Stojkovics name has become synonymous with Nagoya Grampus, the club he represented as a player for eight seasons before returning in 2008 as head coach. In his first full season he qualified the club for the AFC Champions League by taking Grampus to third position in the J.League. A mercurial player in his heyday, Stojkovic represented Yugoslavia in the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals and played for Red Star Belgrade before joining Olympic Marseille, from where he eventually signed for Grampus in 1994. Since his retirement from playing, Stojkovic has served as the president of the Serbian Football Association and was president of Red Star Belgrade before returning to Japan, where his J.League titlewinning run in 2010 saw him named the leagues Manager of the Year.
Star Players Seigo Narazaki

Named the J.Leagues Most Valuable Player for the 2010 season the first time a goalkeeper had won the award Seigo Narazaki remains one of the best custodians in Japan despite being overlooked by the national team since the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. His assured nature between the posts has made the 35-year-old first choice for Grampus since he joined the club from the defunct Yokohama Flugels in 1998 and he was a member of the Japan squads for the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, although he only played in Germany in 2006. Narazaki was the starting goalkeeper under former national coach Zico when Japan won the AFC Asian Cup in China in 2004.
Marcus Tulio Tanaka

Charismatic central defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka has already tasted success in continental club competition, having been a key part of the Urawa Red Diamonds side that won the AFC Champions League title in 2007. The Brazil-born Japan international joined Grampus at the start of the 2010 season and was instrumental in the clubs first-ever J.League victory while also playing a major role in defence as the national team reached the second round of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the first time Japan had done so in an overseas-based finals. His all-action style and leadership from defence mark the 30-year-old Tulio out as one of the personalities of Japanese football.
Josh Kennedy
After finishing as the J.Leagues joint top scorer in 2010, Australia international striker Josh Kennedy went one better in 2011 by claiming sole ownership of the individual crown. The towering forward claimed 19 goals in 31 games for Grampus in 2011 to add to the 17 in 31 matches he scored in 2010, highlighting his importance to the club since joining from German side Karlsruher SC. Kennedy has also established himself as a regular member of the Australia national squad, representing his nation at both the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, but he missed the finals of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar due to a back injury.
Young star Kensuke Nagai

Young striker Kensuke Nagai is highly rated within Japanese football and made his debut for the senior national side when he was part of an experimental team that faced Yemen in early 2010 in qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup finals. The 23-year-old, who left Vissel Kobe to join Grampus after an earlier spell at Avispa Fukuoka, represented Japan at U-19 and U-23 levels and established himself as a regular member of Dragan Stojkovics side throughout the 2011 season.
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Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: Website: Email: Stadium: Capacity: 2004 PO Box 5244, Chittaway Bay NSW 2261, Australia (+61) 2 4353 7200 (+61) 2 4353 7211 www.ccmariners.com.au info@ccmariners.com.au Central Coast Stadium 20,059
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Ben ONeill (+61) 2 411 092 404 (+61) 2 4353 7211 boneill@ccmariners.com.au
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 20:00 Tianjin Teda (CHN) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tianjin Teda Stadium, Tianjin MD2 March 21, 19:30 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD3 April 03, 19:00 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD4 April 18, 19:30 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam MD5 May 01, 19:30 Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Tianjin Teda (CHN) Central Coast Stadium, Gosford MD6 May 15, 19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Mizuho Athletic Stadium, Nagoya All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: Nil Cup: 1 - 2008 Continental Record ACL: 2009 Group stage ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2007-08 League 1st (Premiership winners) P W 21 10 D 4 L 7 F 30 A Pts 25 34 2008-09 League 4th P W 21 7 D 7 L 7 F 35 A Pts 32 28 2009-10 League 8th P W 27 7 D 9 L 11 F 32 A Pts 29 30 2010-11 League 2nd P W 30 16 D 9 L 5 F 50 A Pts 31 57
Play-offs Runners-up Lost to Newcastle Jets 1-0 in grand final
Play-offs Minor semi-final Lost to Queensland Roar 4-1 on aggregate
Play-offs Runners-up Lost to Brisbane Roar 4-2 on penalties after 2-2 draw in grand final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Group stage
H Pohang Steelers 0-0 Tianjin Teda 0-1 Kawasaki Frontale 0-5 A 2-3 2-2 1-2 GS GS GS
94
Group G
Club Profile
Despite being one of the A-Leagues smaller franchises, Central Coast Mariners have been one of its leading sides, winning the Premiership crown in 2008 and reaching the Grand Final three times in the first six seasons of the competition. Despite their good domestic record, the team from Gosford have yet to land the A-League title after narrow defeats in all three finals that they have appeared in. They lost 1-0 to Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets in 2006 and 2008 respectively, and suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against Brisbane Roar last year after squandering a 2-0 lead with only three minutes left in extra-time. The Mariners are making their second appearance in the AFC Champions League after a disappointing debut in 2009 when they went out at the group stage and failed to register a win. But given their current strong run of form and the experience of coach Graham Arnold, they promise to put in a far better showing this season.
Coach Graham Arnold

A former Australia international striker, Graham Arnold served as an assistant coach for the national team under Frank Farina and Guus Hiddink before taking charge of the Socceroos for their first appearance in the AFC Asian Cup finals in 2007. However, he was heavily criticised for the teams failure to progress past the quarterfinals. Appointed to replace long-time coach Lawrie McKinna after the Mariners disappointing eighthplace finish in 2010, Arnold made a number of changes to the Mariners squad and led them to a second-place finish in the A-League during the regular season and an appearance in the Grand Final last year.
Star Players Alex Wilkinson

A former Australia U-17 and U-20 international, Alex Wilkinson has played at the heart of the Central Coast Mariners defence in all six A-League seasons, skippering the club in five of those campaigns. The 27-year-old centre-back has proven to be one of the leagues most reliable defenders during his time with the Mariners thanks to his strong, disciplined approach and his excellent reading of the game. He has attracted interest from abroad and spent four months on loan with Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty last year.
Joshua Rose
Having played for Brisbane Strikers in the National Soccer League and New Zealand Knights during the first season of the A-League, defender Joshua Rose joined Romanian side Universitatea Craiova in 2006 and proved a big hit with the clubs fans during his three years there. The cultured left-back became Graham Arnolds first signing when he joined Central Coast in March 2010 and played a major role in the clubs second-placed finish during the 2010-11 season, chipping in with three goals and seven assists. He was named on the A-Leagues all-star team and was also selected by his teammates as their player of the year.
Mathew Ryan
Having played for the Central Coast Mariners youth team, Mathew Ryan signed a senior contract with the club before the 2010-11 season and quickly found himself thrust into a starting role at the age of 18 when regular goalkeeper Jess Vansrattan suffered a serious knee injury early in the campaign. Ryan took full advantage of the opportunity and kept 14 clean sheets to help the Mariners to finish runners-up in the A-League. He was named the leagues Young Player of the Year and was also the man of the match in the Grand Final despite Central Coasts penalty shootout loss to Brisbane Roar.
Young star Mustafa Amini

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport, Mustafa Amini is regarded as one of the countrys brightest young talents, having played a key part in Australias runners-up finish at the AFC U-19 Youth Championship in 2010. The attacking midfielder only joined Central Coast in 2010 but his creative ability, excellent touch and keen eye for goal quickly attracted the interest of German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, who signed the 18-year-old to a four-year contract last year before loaning him back to the Mariners. He will leave for Dortmund following the completion of the AFC Champions League group stage.
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Group G Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
20:00
Match
Tianjin Teda (CHN) vs Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR)
Score
19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) vs
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 2
19:30
19:00
Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Mariners (AUS)
vs
___ ___
vs
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
___ ___
Matchday 3
19:00
vs
03/04/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30
___ ___
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
vs
___ ___
Matchday 4
19:30
19:00
vs
___ ___
vs
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
___ ___
Matchday 5
19:30
01/05/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30
Central Coast Mariners (AUS) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR)
vs
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
___ ___
vs
___ ___
Matchday 6
19:30
Tianjin Teda (CHN)
vs
15/05/2012 (Tuesday)
19:00 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) vs
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Central Coast Mariners (AUS)
___ ___
___ ___
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GROUP H
Group H

Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1970 475 Siripinyo Building, 14F, 1405 Si Ayuthaya Rd, Phayathai, Ratchthewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (+66) 2 642 7720 (+66) 2 642 7721 buriram_united@hotmail.com www.buriramunited.co.th Buriram Stadium 24,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Kitti Cheevasittiyanon (+66) 81 696 0993 (+66) 2 642 7721 kcheev@yahoo.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram Stadium, Buriram MD2 March 21, 20:00 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Buriram United (THA) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD3 April 04, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Buriram Stadium, Buriram MD4 April 17, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Buriram United (THA) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju MD5 May 01, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram United (THA) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD6 May 15, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Buriram Stadium, Buriram All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 2 2011, 08 Premiership: 1 2011 Continental Record ACL: 2009 Qualifying play-off AFC Cup: ACC: ACWC: ASC: 2009 Group stage Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League Champions P 30 W 18 D 7 L 5 F 38 A Pts 15 61 2009 League 9th P 30 W 9 D 9 L 12 F 37 A Pts 41 36 2010 League Runners-up P 30 W 17 D 12 L 1 F 51 A Pts 19 63 2011 League Champions P 30 W 18 D 9 L 3 F 67 A Pts 32 63
No cup competition
Cup 4th round Lost to TTM Samut Sakhon 1-0
Cup 4th round Lost to Royal Thai Army 1-0 aet
Cup Winners Beat Muangthong United 1-0 aet in final
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Qualifying play-off
Armed Forces 1-4 (H) aet PO1
100
Group H
Club Profile
Buriram United came into existence in 2010 after well-known Buriram politican Newin Chidchob took over the Provincial Electricity Authority club and moved them to his home province in north-eastern Thailand. Newin said that his ultimate goal was to win the Thai Premier League and he succeeded last season with Buriram running away with the title by 16 points, winning 26 of their 34 games and losing just once. They also won the Thai FA Cup, beating 2010 league champions Muang Thong United 1-0 after extra-time, and the Thai League Cup, downing Thai Port 2-0 in the final. Nicknamed the Thunder Castle, the club have changed their official name to Buriram United for the upcoming season after Newin completed the takeover of PEA. They play their home matches at a purpose-built, 24,000 all-seater capacity stadium which was opened last year. Provincial Electricity Authority won the Thai Premier League in 2008 but never made it to the group stage of the AFC Champions League, going down 4-1 after extra-time to Singapore Armed Forces in a playoff tussle.
Coach Attaphol Puspakom

A former Thailand international striker, Attaphol is one of the most successful managers in Thai club football. He came to international prominence in 2003 when he guided BEC Tero Sasana to the final of the inaugural AFC Champions League, where the Fire Dragons went down 2-1 on aggregate to Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates. Attaphol also coached Krung Thai Bank in the AFC Champions League in 2008 when they conceded 17 goals in two matches against Kashima Antlers but beat Beijing Guoan 5-3 at home. He took Muang Thong United to the Thai Premier League title in 2009 and completed the domestic treble with Buriram last season.
Star Players Franck Ohandza

On loan from Club Brugge in Belgium, 20-year-old striker Franck Ohandza has quickly become something of a folk hero in Buriram. Quick-footed, pacey and opportunistic, he was top scorer in the Thai Premier League with 19 goals. That tally included his first hat-trick in Thai football in a league game against Samut Songkhram. Highly rated at home, he starred for Cameroon at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia last August. The Indomitable Lions finished second in a tight Group B that included Portugal, New Zealand and Uruguay before losing on penalties to Mexico in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw, Ohandza scoring their goal but missing from the spot.
Suchao Nutnum
A firm fan favourite, Suchao has been one of the main reasons for the success of Buriram in Thai domestic football. He made his name with TOT from 2004 to 2009 before joining Persib Bandung in Indonesia for a season. Since signing for Buriram in 2010, the attacking midfielder has been a mainstay of the side. Famed for his tireless running and eager tackling, the 28-year-old also knows the way to goal having scored 33 times for TOT. A regular in the Thailand national team under coaches Peter Reid and Bryan Robson, he has been given fewer starts by current manager Winfried Schafer.
Jakkraphan Kaewprom
The industrious Jakkraphan Kaewprom has enjoyed a fruitful couple of seasons. After spending the early part of his career with BEC Tero Sasana, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder helped Muang Thong United win the Thai Premier League in the 2010-11 campaign. Jakkraphan joined Buriram last year and was an integral part of the squad that won the domestic treble. His league performances brought him to the attention of then national coach Peter Reid and he made his international debut in 2008. Normally deployed as a full back for the national team, he capped a great display by scoring the goal that eased Thailand past Palestine in a World Cup qualification match last year.
Young star Theeraton Bunmathan

The hard-tackling 22-year-old Theeraton has made the left-back position his own at Buriram and has been handed regular starts for the Thailand national team by coach Winfried Schafer. Technically sound and fairly quick, he is not scared to venture down the left flank although he needs to develop his crossing ability. He gained notoriety last November when he was sent off twice in three days. Playing for Thailand, he was dismissed in stoppage time of the World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia and then received two yellow cards when competing for the Thailand under-23s in their SEA Games encounter with hosts Indonesia.
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Club
Established: Address: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Website: Stadium: Capacity: 1954 21F, Talented Building, No. 45, Tianhe Street, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China (+86) 20 3830 2926 (+86) 20 3830 2860 office@gzevergrandefc.com www.gzhengdafc.com Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium 56,000
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: E-mail: Gu Fang (+86) 1866 571 1911 (+86) 20 3830 2860 gufang01@gmail.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju MD2 March 21, 20:00 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Buriram United (THA) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD3 April 04, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD4 April 17, 19:30 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD5 May 01, 19:30 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD6 May 15, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Buriram Stadium, Buriram All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 1 2011 Cup: Nil Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 7th P W 30 10 D 10 L 10 F 41 A Pts 42 40 2009 League 9th (relegated for involvement in match-fixing) P W 30 9 D 10 L 11 F 38 A Pts 38 37 2010 League Winners (League One) P W 24 17 D 6 L 1 F 61 A Pts 21 57 2011 League Champions P W 30 20 D 8 L 2 F 67 A Pts 23 68
No Cup competition No Cup competition
No Cup competition
Cup 2nd round Lost to Shaanxi Chanba 11-10 on penalties after 1-1 draw
ACL Record
102
Group H
Club Profile
Guangzhou Evergrande are making their first appearance in the AFC Champions League after taking Chinese football by storm over the last two years. Under their previous owners, the club were relegated to the Chinese second division following a match-fixing scandal before being taken over by the Guangzhou Real Estate Group. A significant injection of cash saw Guangzhou Evergrande sign several of Chinas leading players including Gao Lin, Zheng Zhi and Sun Xiang as well as former Beijing Guoan coach Lee Jang-soo. Guangzhou predictably cruised to the title, earning promotion to the Chinese Super League and again the club invested heavily in talent before cantering to the top-flight title, winning by an impressive 15 points from Beijing. While Guangzhou will be making their debut in the competition, the Chinese Super League champions will not be underestimated by anyone despite the modest performances in the competition by Chinese clubs in the past.
Coach Lee Jang-soo

Lee Jang-soo is no stranger to continental success, having worked as assistant coach when Ilhwa Chuna won the Asian Club Championship title in 1995 before taking charge of the club the following year and leading Ilhwa to both the Asian Super Cup and the Afro-Asian Club Championship. Since then, the Korean has spent much of his career in China, working with Chongqing Lifan where he won the 2000 FA Cup, a feat he repeated two years later with Qingdao Beilaite. Following stints in Korea with Chunnam Dragons and FC Seoul, he returned to China and steered Beijing Guoan to the verge of the Chinese Super League title in 2009 before being fired near the end of the season. Lee promptly signed with Guangzhou, leading them to the second division title in 2010 and the Chinese Super League crown in 2011.
Star Players Dario Conca

Argentinian midfielder Dario Conca joined Guangzhou Evergrande in a blaze of publicity last July as the club made the 28-year-old one of the highest paid player in the world with a record-breaking deal that lured him to the Chinese Super League from Brazilian side Fluminense, where he had played since 2008. Formerly of Buenos Aires giants River Plate, the attacking midfielder settled into life in China quickly, scoring nine times in 15 league matches after signing in the middle of the season. Conca was twice named the Brazilian leagues player of the year in 2009 and 2010 and represented Argentina at under-20 level.
Zheng Zhi
Zheng Zhi returned to China in mid-2010, signing for Guangzhou Evergrande while the club were still in the second division after stints in England with Charlton Athletic and in Scotland with Glasgow giants Celtic. Zheng had caught the eye of European scouts during his time with Shandong Luneng, where his creativity was the driving force behind that clubs success in the Chinese Super League and where he won the league and FA Cup in 2006. That was Zhengs second league success after also winning the title two years earlier with Shenzhen Jianlibao and in 2011 the 31-year-old captured a third title as Guangzhou won their first-ever crown, with Zheng wearing the captains armband.
Gao Lin
National team striker Gao Lin was one of the first high-profile domestic players to join the Guangzhou Evergrande project, signing for the club from Shanghai Shenhua ahead of the 2010 season as Guangzhou prepared for life in the second division. His 20-goal haul was key to the club securing promotion to the Chinese Super League and Gao managed to hold on to his place in the team despite the arrival of several high-profile foreign stars. The 25-year-old known in China as Gaolinsmann is a regular in the China national squad and was a member of the China squad that won the East Asian Championship in both 2005 and 2010.
Young star Zhang Linpeng

After impressing at Shanghai East Asia, Zhang Linpeng joined the growing band of Chinas leading players at Guangzhou Evergrande ahead of the 2011 season and the young defender he turns 23 on May 9 quickly established himself at the club. He was also named captain of the China side that attempted unsuccessfully to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games where he played in midfield while also graduating to the full national side. Zhang is regularly tipped to be a future captain of the national team and has been widely compared to former Asian Player of the Year Fan Zhiyi.
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Club
Established: Address: 1994 2F, Jeonju World Cup Stadium, 763-1, Banwol-Dong, Dukjin-Gu, Jeonju City, Jeonbuk, Korea 561-370 (+82) 63 273 1763 (+82) 63 273 1762 jh6167@hyundai-motorsfc.com www.hyundai-motorsfc.com Jeonju World Cup Stadium 43,389
Tel: Fax : Email: Website: Stadium: Capacity:
Media Contact
Name: Tel: Fax: Email: Kim Uk-hun (+82) 10 4727 0269 (+82) 63 273 1762 ukheon@hyundai-motorsfc.com
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju MD2 March 21, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD3 April 04, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Buriram Stadium, Buriram MD4 April 17, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Buriram United (THA) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju MD5 May 01, 19:30 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD6 May 15, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 2 2011, 09 Cup: 3 2005, 03, 00 Continental Record ACL: 2011 Runners-up 2010 Quarter-finals 2007 Quarter-finals 2006 Champions 2004 Semi-finals ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate 2002 Runners-up Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 4th Lost to Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 in play-offs Regular season 6th P W D L F 26 11 4 11 39 A Pts 37 37 2009 League Champions Beat Seongnam Chunma 3-1 on aggregate in play-off final Regular season 1st P W D L F 28 17 6 5 59 A Pts 33 57 2010 League 3rd Lost to Jeju United 1-0 in play-offs Regular season 3rd P W D L F 28 15 6 7 54 A Pts 36 51 2011 League Champions Beat Ulsan Hyundai 4-2 on aggregate in play-off final Regular season 1st P W D L F 30 18 9 3 67 Cup 2nd round Lost to Busan IPark 2-1 A Pts 32 63
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Koyang Kookmin Bank 3-2 on penalties after 1-1 draw
Cup Semi-finals Lost to Suwon Bluewings 3-0
Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Suwon Bluewings 2-0
ACL Record
2008 Did not qualify 2009 Did not qualify 2010 Quarter-finals
Al Shabab Adelaide United 0-2 (H) 1-0 (A) 3-2 (A) aet QF R16 GS GS GS
2011 Runners-up
Al Sadd Al Ittihad Cerezo Osaka Tianjin Teda Shandong Luneng Arema Indonesia Cerezo Osaka 2-2 (H) 2-4 pen Final 3-2 (A) 2-1 (H) SF 3-4 (A) 6-1 (H) QF 3-0 (H) R16
Persipura Jayapura Kashima Antlers Changchun Yatai
8-0 1-2 1-0
4-1 1-2 2-1
1-0 6-0 1-0
2-1 4-0 0-1
GS GS GS
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Group H
Club Profile
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors were firm favourites to lift the AFC Champions League title for a second time last season after an impressive run to the final which saw them net 29 goals in 11 matches. But despite hosting the final in Jeonju, the Korean side lost in a penalty shootout to Al Sadd of Qatar after a 2-2 draw. They made up for that by winning the K-League championship for the second time in three years after a 4-2 aggregate win over Ulsan Hyundai in the final. Jeonbuk made their first foray onto the Asian stage in 2001-02 when they reached the Asian Cup Winners Cup final, which they lost 2-1 to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. Two years later, they reached the AFC Champions League semi-finals but they again suffered disappointment at the hands of a Saudi club, losing 4-3 on aggregate to Al Ittihad. They finally tasted continental success in 2006 when they became the first east Asian side to win the AFC Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate victory over Al Karama of Syria.
Coach Lee Heung-sil

With Choi Kang-hee leaving Jeonbuk Motors after six successful years to become the head coach of the Korea Republic national team, the K-League side have turned to his long-time assistant Lee Heung-sil to take over as their caretaker manager. A former Korea Republic international midfielder, Lee spent his entire career with POSCO Atoms, the club which later evolved into Pohang Steelers. After retiring as a player in 1992, he coached at high school level before joining Choi at Jeonbuk in 2005 and helping the club to win the AFC Champions League the following year and K-League titles in 2009 and 2011.
Star Players Lee Dong-gook

Veteran striker Lee Dong-gook was in tremendous form in the AFC Champions League last season when he won the Most Valuable Player award after bagging a tournament-leading nine goals for Jeonbuk. Having first shot to fame with a six-goal haul for Korea Republic at the Asian Cup in 2000, the 32-year-old has been in prolific form since he joined Jeonbuk in 2009 following disappointing spells at English side Middlesbrough and Seongnam Ilhwa Chumna. He claimed the K-Leagues MVP award in 2009 and 2011 after helping the club to win the league championship in both years.
Eninho
Brazilian attacking midfielder Eninho played a key role in Jeonbuks run to the AFC Champions League final last season, scoring and creating many of the Korean sides goals and proving a handful for opposing defences with his clever running, his pinpoint crosses and his expertise in deadball situations. During the knockout rounds, the 30-year-old netted seven goals, many of a spectacular nature including one directly from a corner in the semi-final win over Al Ittihad and an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner in the final against Al Sadd.
Kim Jung-woo
Former Nagoya Grampus and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma player Kim Jung-woo is expected to add some bite to the Jeonbuk Motors midfield after signing for the K-League champions as a free agent during the off-season. The 29-year-old, who has played more than 60 international matches for Korea Republic and appeared in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and 2010 World Cup, signed a three-year contract with Jeonbuk in January after being one of the most highly soughtafter free agents following his departure from Seongnam.
Young star Kim Hyun

A product of the Jeonbuk Motors youth system, striker Kim Hyun appears set for a bright professional career after impressing at junior level and winning the Korea Football Associations best youth player award for U-17s in 2011. The well-built 18-year-old, who stands 1.9-metres tall, is naturally strong in the air but also has excellent ball-control skills and is good at maintaining possession. Kim has yet to make his first-team debut but will relish the opportunity to play alongside his role model, Jeonbuk star forward Lee Dong-gook.
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Club
Established Address Tel Fax E-mail Website Stadium Capacity 1940 1-2-50, Hitachidai, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0083, Japan (+81) 4 7162 2201 (+81) 4 7167 6166 t-odagiri@reysol.hitachi.co.jp www.reysol.co.jp Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium 15,135
Media Contact
Name Tel Fax E-mail Masaaki Kawahara (+81) 80 1105 4239 (+81) 4 7167 6166 m-kawahara@reysol.hitachi.co.jp
Fixtures
MD1 March 07, 18:30 Buriram United (THA) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram Stadium, Buriram MD2 March 21, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD3 April 04, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD4 April 17, 19:30 Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Guangzhou Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou MD5 May 01, 19:00 Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Buriram United (THA) Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium, Kashiwa MD6 May 15, 19:00 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju All kick-off times are local and subject to change
Facts & Stats

Domestic Honours League: 2 2011, 1972 (as Hitachi) Cup: 2 1975, 72 (both as Hitachi) Continental Record ACL: No previous appearances ACC: ACWC: ASC: Did not participate Did not participate Did not participate
Domestic Record
2008 League 11th P 34 W 13 D 7 L 14 F 48 A Pts 45 46 2009 League 16th (relegated) P 34 W 7 D 13 L 14 F 41 A Pts 57 34 2010 League Winners (J2) P 36 W 23 D 11 L 2 F 71 A Pts 24 80 2011 League Champions P 34 W 23 D 3 L 8 F 65 A Pts 42 72
Cup Runners-up Lost to Gamba Osaka 1-0 aet in final
Cup 3rd round Lost to Vissel Kobe 1-0
Cup 4th round Lost to Gamba Osaka 4-1 aet
Cup 4th round Lost to Nagoya Grampus 9-8 on penalties after 3-3 draw
ACL Record
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Group H
Club Profile
Kashiwa Reysol captured their first-ever J.League title last season to complete an extraordinary 12 months for the club from the Tokyo suburbs that saw them become the first side to claim the title in their first season following promotion from the J.Leagues second division. The Sun Kings had claimed the J2 title in 2010 but little was expected of them on their return to the top flight after a season spent in the lower league. However, an impressive start to the campaign gave Nelsinhos side the springboard from which to launch what turned out to be a remarkable success. The victory secured on the last day of the season thanks to a 3-1 win over former AFC Champions League winners Urawa Reds was Kashiwas first in the J.League era, although the club had previously been Japanese champions under their pre-J.League guise of Hitachi back in 1975. As a result of their league success, Kashiwa represented Japan at the FIFA Club World Cup in December, where they reached the semi-finals, losing to Santos of Brazil before slipping to defeat at the hands of reigning AFC Champions League holders Al Sadd from Qatar in the third place play-off.
Coach Nelsinho Baptista

Widely travelled Brazilian coach Nelsinho Baptista is no stranger to Japanese football, having previously worked at both Verdy Kawasaki and Nagoya Grampus, but the last two years have seen the 61-year-old enjoy greater success than ever before, with the J.League title win his first in Japan. His previous best was steering Verdy to the first stage in 1995, only to see them lose in the championship play-off to Yokohama F.Marinos. Nelsinho who spent much of his career as a player with Sao Paolo has worked extensively throughout his homeland and also has experience as coach at Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. His success with Kashiwa in 2011 saw him named the J.Leagues Coach of the Year.
Star Players Leandro Domingues

Brazilian midfielder Leandro Domingues has been central to Kashiwas rise from the second division to being crowned kings of Japanese football over the last two years. Arriving from Vitoria at the start of the 2010 season, the 28-year-olds performances drove Kashiwa to the J2 title. But while his first season in Japan was a success, no one could have predicted the turn of events in 2011, which saw Leandro lead Kashiwa to their first-ever J.League title. His performances were such that he was named the J.League Player of the Year at the end of a campaign in which he scored 15 goals in 30 games.
Jorge Wagner
A new recruit as the club prepared for life in the top flight of Japanese football at the start of the 2011 season, Jorge Wagner was to emerge from his first season in the J.League as one of the key performers. The versatile Wagner who started the season in defence but was soon shifted to midfield claimed 11 goals in 30 games and his performances were such that he was one of four Kashiwa players named to the J.Leagues Team of the Year.
Junya Tanaka
Another of the Kashiwa players to be named to the J.Leagues Team of the Year, Junya Tanakas performances over the 2011 season saw him called up for the Japan national team squad by coach Alberto Zaccheroni for the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Uzbekistan. While Tanaka had yet to make his national team debut by the end of January, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder has done plenty to impress, scoring 13 times in 30 league matches last season and earning a place on the J.Leagues Team of the Year.
Young star Hiroki Sakai

Hiroki Sakais assured performances at right back for Kashiwa Reysol saw the 21-year-old named the J.Leagues Rookie of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award since Daisuke Nasu of Yokohama F.Marinos in 2003. A member of Japans Olympic squad seeking a berth at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Sakai was also a member of the Kashiwa side that won the 2010 second division title and was also named in the J.Leagues Team of the Year for 2011.
Photos: FIFA/Getty Images
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Group H Fixtures
Date
Matchday 1
Kick-off
18:30
Match
Buriram United (THA) vs Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)
Score
19:00
___ ___
vs
Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
___ ___
Matchday 2
19:00
vs
20:00
___ ___
vs
___ ___
Matchday 3
19:00
vs
18:30 Buriram United (THA) vs
___ ___
___ ___
Matchday 4
19:30
17/04/2012 (Tuesday)
19:00
vs
___ ___
vs
___ ___
Matchday 5
19:00
vs
01/05/2012 (Tuesday)
19:30
___ ___
vs
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
___ ___
Matchday 6
18:30
vs
15/05/2012 (Tuesday)
19:00
___ ___
vs
___ ___
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KNOCKOUT STAGE
Knockout Stage Schedule

Round 16
Day/Date Match
Group A Winner 29/05/2012 (Tuesday) Group C Winner Group E Winner Group G Winner Group B Winner 30/05/2012 (Wednesday) Group D Winner Group F Winner Group H Winner
vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs
Group C Runner-up Group A Runner-up Group G Runner-up Group E Runner-up Group D Runner-up Group B Runner-up Group H Runner-up Group F Runner-up
Quarter Finals
LEG 1 LEG 2
02/10/2012 (Tuesday) 03/10/2012 (Wednesday)
Semi Finals
LEG 1 LEG 2
Final
09/11/2012 (Friday) or 10/11/2012 (Saturday)
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111
www. t h - a f their m Al Sadds players reveleafterc . c oAFC Champions League victory in 2011.
11 2
ACL 2011
Al Sadd stall Motors in shootout
Al Sadd captain Abdulla Koni lifts the AFC Champions League trophy after the Qatari club beat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in a penalty shootout in the final.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Saqr made a series of fine stops including two saves in a penalty shootout to help Al Sadd of Qatar to lift the AFC Champions League title for the first time in a dramatic final against Koreas Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The hosts dominated proceedings in front of a club-record crowd of 41,805 at Jeonju World Cup Stadium but needed a stoppagetime header by Lee Sung-hyun to level the score at 2-2 and force extra-time. Having saved brilliantly to deny Jeong Shunghoon in added time, Saqr then stopped efforts by Kim Dong-chan and Park Won-jae in the shootout. That presented Nadir Belhadj
with the opportunity to fire in the crucial spot kick as Al Sadd became the first west Asian side to lift the AFC Champions League trophy in six years. It brought the curtain down on an eventful and ultimately glorious campaign for the Qatari side that had begun in February when they defeated Al Ittihad of Syria and Dempo of India in the play-offs to qualify for the competition for the eighth time in nine seasons. Jorge Fossatis side went unbeaten in six group games to top their section and edged Al Shabab 1-0 in the round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time.
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They were handed a huge favour in the last eight when Iranian side Sepahan fielded an ineligible player in the first leg to hand the Qataris a decisive 3-0 victory. And in the semi-finals, they found themselves at the centre of a massive brawl with Koreas Suwon Samsung Bluewings after Mamadou Niang netted a controversial second goal in their 2-1 aggregate win. With the final taking place at Jeonbuks home ground, Al Sadd were viewed as the decided underdogs against the K-League frontrunners, who had netted 31 goals en route to the final and swept aside two-time winners Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia 5-3 on aggregate in the last four. And the hosts looked to be on course for their second AFC Champions League title when Eninho curled home a free-kick from the left edge of the box with 17 minutes gone. But the visitors stunned the raucous home crowd into silence with an equaliser 12
minutes later. Abdulkader Keita flighted a cross towards the six-yard box and as Khalfan Ibrahim attempted to get on the end of it, the ball flicked off defender Sim Wooyeon and flew past goalkeeper Kim Min-sik. Al Sadd took the lead in the 63rd minute on a quick counter-attack as a low cross from the left found Keita, who brought the ball under control on the edge of the box before lashing it past Kim into the bottom corner of the net. Jeonbuk surged forward in search of an equaliser and their efforts were rewarded in stoppage time when substitute Lee Sunghyun met Eninhos corner with a header at the far post to send the match to extra-time. The home side were well on top in the extra 30 minutes. But with Lee Dong-gook squandering a glorious opportunity, Saqr denying Jeong and the upright keeping the ball out after an Eninho corner had deflected off an Al Sadd defender, the match would go to a shootout with Al Sadds goalkeeper emerging as his sides hero.
AFC Champions League 2011 - Final
04/11/11 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2 (Eninho 19, Lee Sung-hyun 90+2)
Al Sadd..2 (Sim Woo-yeon 30-og, Abdul Kader Keita 61) After extra-time. Al Sadd win 4-2 on penalties
Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju

Al Sadds Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati celebrates his sides dramatic victory in Jeonju
11 6
Knockout Stage results

Final
04/11/11 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 aet FT: 2-2 Al Sadd win 4-2 on penalties HT: 1-1
Semi-finals
19/10/11 26/10/11 19/10/11 26/10/11 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 1 Al Sadd win 2-1 on aggregate Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 3 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 5-3 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 2-1 HT: 2-0
Quarter-finals
14/09/11 27/09/11 14/09/11 27/09/11 14/09/11 28/09/11 14/09/11 28/09/11 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 4 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 3 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 6 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 9-5 on aggregate Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 Al Ittihad win 3-2 on aggregate Sepahan (IRN) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 3 Match awarded to Al Sadd as Sepahan fielded an ineligible player Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Sadd win 4-2 on aggregate Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 2 aet FT: 1-1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings win 3-2 on aggregate HT: 1-2 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
HT: 0-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Round of 16
24/05/11 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 0 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 3 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 4 Al Nassr (KSA)1 FC Seoul (KOR) 3 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 0 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 2 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 0 HT: 2-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
25/05/11
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11 7
Group Stage results

Group A
P Sepahan Al Hilal Al Gharafa Al Jazira 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 2 0 D 1 1 1 1 L 1 1 3 5 F 14 11 6 7 A 5 6 7 20 Pts 13 13 7 1 Al Sadd Al Nassr Esteghlal Pakhtakor
Group B
P 6 6 6 6 W 2 2 2 1 D 4 2 2 2 L 0 2 2 3 F 8 10 11 8 A 6 7 10 14 Pts 10 8 8 5
01/03/11 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Jazira (UAE) 0 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 15/03/11 Sepahan (IRN) 5 Al Jazira (UAE) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 05/04/11 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 3 Al Jazira (UAE) 1 20/04/11 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Al Jazira (UAE) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 3 04/05/11 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 5 Al Jazira (UAE) 2 11/05/11 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Al Jazira (UAE) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 4
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
01/03/11 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Nassr (KSA) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
15/03/11 Al Nassr (KSA) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 16/03/11 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
05/04/11 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Nassr (KSA) 0 06/04/11 Esteghlal (IRN) 4 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1
19/04/11 Al Nassr (KSA) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1
03/05/11 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 04/05/11 Al Nassr (KSA) 4 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0
HT: 0-2 HT: 2-0
11/05/11 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Nassr (KSA) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Sepahan finished ahead of Al Hilal due to better record in head-to-head meetings.
Al Nassr finished ahead of Esteghlal due to better goal difference.
Group C
P Al Ittihad Bunyodkor Al Wahda Piroozi 6 6 6 6 W 3 2 1 1 D 2 3 3 2 L 1 1 2 3 F 10 8 6 6 A 5 6 8 11 Pts 11 9 6 5 Zobahan Al Shabab Emirates Al Rayyan
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 1 D 1 2 0 1 L 1 1 4 4 F 7 8 6 4 A 3 4 10 8 Pts 13 11 6 4 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
02/03/11 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 Piroozi (IRN) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
02/03/11 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 2 Emirates (UAE) 1
16/03/11 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Piroozi (IRN) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
16/03/11 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 0 Emirates (UAE) 2 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
05/04/11 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Piroozi (IRN) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-2
06/04/11 Al Shabab (KSA) 4 Emirates (UAE) 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 3
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-2
20/04/11 Piroozi (IRN) 1 Bunyodkor (UZB) 3 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
19/04/11 Emirates (UAE) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0
HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
03/05/11 Bunyodkor (UZB) 3 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Piroozi (IRN) 3 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2
HT: 2-1 HT: 2-1
03/05/11 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0 Emirates (UAE) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
10/05/11 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Piroozi (IRN) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
10/05/11 Al Rayyan (QAT) 2 Emirates (UAE) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
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Group E
P Gamba Osaka Tianjin Teda Jeju United Melbourne Victory 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 1 1 1 3 L 2 2 3 2 F 13 8 6 7 A 7 6 10 11 Pts 10 10 7 6 FC Seoul Nagoya Grampus Al Ain Hangzhou Greentown
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 2 1 1 2 L 1 2 3 3 F 9 9 4 3 A 4 6 9 6 Pts 11 10 7 5 HT: 0-0
01/03/11 Jeju United (KOR) 0 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 5 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 15/03/11 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Jeju United (KOR) 2 05/04/11 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Jeju United (KOR) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 20/04/11 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Jeju United (KOR) 1 04/05/11 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 3 Jeju United (KOR) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 11/05/11 Jeju United (KOR) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 0
01/03/11 Hangzhou (CHN) 2 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 0
02/03/11 Al Ain (UAE) 0 FC Seoul (KOR) 1
HT: 0-1
15/03/11 FC Seoul (KOR) 3 Hangzhou (CHN) 0
HT: 1-0
06/04/11 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 Hangzhou (CHN) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 0 12/04/11 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 4Al Ain (UAE) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
19/04/11 FC Seoul (KOR) 0 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Hangzhou (CHN) 0 04/05/11 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 Hangzhou (CHN) 0 FC Seoul (KOR) 3 Al Ain (UAE) 0 11/05/11 Hangzhou (CHN) 1 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
Gamba Osaka finished ahead of Tianjin Teda due to better record in headto-head meetings.
Group G
P Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Cerezo Osaka Shandong Luneng Arema Indonesia 6 6 6 6 W 5 4 2 0 D 0 0 1 1 L 1 2 3 5 F 14 11 9 2 A 2 4 8 22 Pts 15 12 7 1 Suwon Bluewings Kashima Antlers Sydney FC Shanghai Shenhua
Group H
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 1 0 D 3 3 2 2 L 0 0 3 4 F 12 9 6 3 A 3 3 11 13 Pts 12 12 5 2
02/03/11 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 2 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 1 HT: 1-0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 HT: 0-0
02/03/11 Sydney FC (AUS) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 0 Shanghai (CHN) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 0 16/03/11 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 4 Shanghai (CHN) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
16/03/11 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 4 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 2-0
05/04/11 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 1 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
06/04/11 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Sydney FC (AUS) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 1 13/04/11 Sydney FC (AUS) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 3
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
20/04/11 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 5 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
19/04/11 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 2 Sydney FC (AUS) 3 03/05/11 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 3 Sydney FC (AUS) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 Shanghai (CHN) 0 10/05/11 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2Sydney FC (AUS) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 3
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1
03/05/11 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 0 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 4 HT: 0-2 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 2 HT: 1-1
10/05/11 Cerezo Osaka (JPN) 4 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 6 Arema Indonesia (IDN) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 4-0
Suwon Bluewings finished ahead of Kashima Antlers due to better goal difference.
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Play-off results West

12/02/11 19/02/11 Al Sadd (QAT) 5 Al Ittihad (SYR) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Dempo (IND) 0 Sriwijaya (IDN) 2 Muang Thong United (THA) 2 aet FT: 1-1 Sriwijaya win 7-6 on penalties Sriwijaya (IDN) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 4 HT: 3-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-2
East
12/02/11 19/02/11
Al Sadd became the first club to win the AFC Champions League after beginning the competition at the play-off stage.
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ACL 2010
Seongnam extend Korean dominance
Jubilation for Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma after their 3-1 win over Zobahan in the 2010 final in Tokyo.
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma laid to rest the ghosts of 2004 and ensured that the AFC Champions League trophy remained in Korea by sweeping aside Iranian side Zobahan 3-1 in the 2010 final at the National Stadium in Tokyo. Skipper Sasa Ognenovski gave the K-League side a 29th minute lead and Cho Byung-kuk struck eight minutes after the interval half to put Seongnam in control. And although Mohammadreza Khalatbari pulled a goal back for Zobahan midway through the second half, Kim Cheol-hos late strike sealed a deserved win for the Korean outfit. With the win, Seongnam extended Korean dominance in Asias premier club competition following Pohang Steelers victory of a year earlier. But more importantly for Shin Tae-yongs side, they finally banished the memories of the 2004 final, when they allowed a 3-1 first-leg lead to slip as they
capitulated 5-0 at home against Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in the return match. The Korean side were relentless on the road to Tokyo winning eight of their 11 matches including all six home games and scoring 22 goals. Having topped a group that included Chinese champions Beijing Guoan, Australian champions Melbourne Victory and Japans Kawasaki Frontale, they dismissed 2008 AFC Champions League winners Gamba Osaka of Japan in the round of 16 before ousting K-League rivals Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the quarter-finals. That set up a semi-final against Saudi Arabias Al Shabab, who edged a sevengoal thriller in the first leg in Riyadh thanks to Faisal Bin Sultans last-minute winner. But Chong Dong-geon got the only goal in the return game to send Seongnam to the final on away goals. The final pitted the tournaments best attack against the best defence as Seongnam met
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a Zobahan side that had conceded only five times in 11 games en route to Tokyo. The Iranian side nearly went ahead in the 24th minute when Ognenovskis goal-line clearance denied Igor Castro. And the Australian centre-back then put his side ahead five minutes later, heading home from close range after Kim Sung-hwans long throw-in had caused havoc in the Zobahan box. The Korean side maintained their advantage at the break thanks to goalkeeper Jung Sungryong, who turned an effort by Mohammad Hosseini around the post just before halftime. And Seongnam extended their advantage in the 54th minute when Cho Dong-geon flicked on a corner for Cho Byung-kuk to head in his sides second. With 24 minutes left, Zob Ahan hit back as Khalatbari headed in after Jung had parried a shot by Igor Castro.
But with the Iranians pushing for an equaliser, Seongnam snatched a decisive third with eight minutes left as an effort by Colombian forward Mauricio Molina struck a defender and fell nicely for Kim Cheol-ho, who tucked the ball into the unguarded net. Shin was a member of the Seongnam side that won the Asian Club Championship in 1995, but the 41-year-old felt that winning the continental title as a coach was extra special. I have won as a player before and now as a head coach but I am happier tonight, the former Korea Republic international midfielder said. As a player I had belief that we could become champion but since I became a head coach I did not think that I would ever have this opportunity to participate in a major tournament like this. So to become champion as a coach it is twice as good as when I won as a player so I am very happy.
13/11/10 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma ...3 (Sasa Ognenovski 29, Cho Byung-kuk 53, Kim Cheol-ho 83)
Zobahan ..1 (Mohammadreza Khalatbari 67)
National Stadium, Tokyo

Seongnams Cho Dong-geon shields the ball from Zobahan defender Farshad Talebi in the final.
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Final
13/11/10 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 3 Zobahan (IRN) 1 HT: 1-0
Semi-finals
05/10/10 20/10/10 06/10/10 20/10/10 Al Shabab (KSA) 4 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 3 HT: 1-2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 HT: 1-0 Aggregate score 4-4. Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma win on away goals Zobahan (IRN) 1 Al HIlal (KSA) 0 Al HIlal (KSA) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Zobahan win 2-0 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Quarter-finals
15/09/10 22/09/10 15/09/10 22/09/10 15/09/10 22/09/10 15/09/10 22/09/10 Al HIlal (KSA) 3 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Gharafa (QAT) 4 Al HIlal (KSA) 2 aet FT: 3-0 Al HIlal win 5-4 on aggregate Zobahan (IRN) 2 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Zobahan win 3-2 on aggregate Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 1 Al Shabab win 2-1 on aggregate Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 4 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 0 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma win 4-3 on aggregate HT: 1-0 HT: 3-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
Round of 16
11/05/10 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 3 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 3 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 0 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 2 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Mes Kerman (IRN) 0 Al HIlal (KSA) 3 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 0 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 3 aet FT: 2-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1
12/05/10
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Al Gharafa Esteghlal Al Ahli Al Jazira 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 1 D 1 2 0 1 L 1 1 4 4 F 11 9 11 6 A 9 5 9 14 Pts 13 11 6 4 Zobahan Bunyodkor Al Ittihad Al Wahda
Group B
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 1 D 1 1 2 0 L 1 2 2 5 F 8 10 9 3 A 3 7 7 13 Pts 13 10 8 3
23/02/10 Al Jazira (UAE) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Esteghlal (IRN) 2
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1
23/02/10 Bunyodkor (UZB) 3 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
09/03/10 Esteghlal (IRN) 0 Al Jazira (UAE) 0 Al Gharafa (QAT) 3 Al Ahli (KSA) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
09/03/10 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Bunyodkor (UZB) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Zobahan (IRN) 2
HT: 0-1 HT: 2-0
23/03/10 Esteghlal (IRN) 3 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Al Ahli (KSA) 5 Al Jazira (UAE) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
24/03/10 Zobahan (IRN) 3 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
31/03/10 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Jazira (UAE) 0 Al Ahli (KSA) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
30/03/10 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 4 Al Wahda (UAE) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 4-0
14/04/10 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 4 Al Jazira (UAE) 2
HT: 2-1 HT: 2-0
14/04/10 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
28/04/10 Al Jazira (UAE) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Ahli (KSA) 0 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
28/04/10 Bunyodkor (UZB) 4 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Zobahan (IRN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
Group C
P Al Shabab Pakhtakor Sepahan Al Ain 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 2 D 1 0 2 1 L 2 3 2 3 F 10 8 5 8 A 8 10 5 8 Pts 10 9 8 7 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 Al Hilal Mes Kerman Al Sadd Al Ahli
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 2 0 2 2 L 1 3 2 3 F 11 13 12 9 A 7 13 9 16 Pts 11 9 8 5
24/02/10 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 1
24/02/10 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 3 Mes Kerman (IRN) 4 Al Ahli (UAE) 2
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1
10/03/10 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 3
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
10/03/10 Al Ahli (UAE) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 5 Al Hilal (KSA) 3 Mes Kerman (IRN) 1
HT: 0-3 HT: 2-0
23/03/10 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 1
HT: 1-1 HT: 2-1
24/03/10 Al Sadd (QAT) 4 Mes Kerman (IRN) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Ahli (UAE) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
31/03/10 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 3 Al Ain (UAE) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
30/03/10 Mes Kerman (IRN) 3 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 3
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-2
13/04/10 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0
HT: 3-2 HT: 1-0
13/04/10 Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Mes Kerman (IRN) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
27/04/10 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
27/04/10 Mes Kerman (IRN) 3 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-1
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Group E
P Seongnam Chunma Beijing Guoan Kawasaki Frontale Melbourne Victory 6 6 6 6 W 5 3 2 1 D 0 1 0 1 L 1 2 4 4 F 11 7 8 3 A 6 5 8 10 Pts 15 10 6 4 Kashima Antlers Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Changchun Yatai Persipura Jayapura
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 6 4 1 1 D 0 0 0 0 L 0 2 5 5 F 14 17 10 4 A 3 6 7 29 Pts 18 12 3 3
23/02/10 Seongnam (KOR) 2 Kawasaki (JPN) 0 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
23/02/10 Persipura (IDN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 4 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 09/03/10 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 9 Persipura (IDN) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 24/03/10 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 2 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 5 Persipura (IDN) 0 30/03/10 Persipura (IDN) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 3 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 14/04/10 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 8 Persipura (IDN) 0 28/04/10 Persipura (IDN) 2 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1
09/03/10 Kawasaki (JPN) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 3 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0 Seongnam (KOR) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
23/03/10 Seongnam (KOR) 3 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 1 Kawasaki (JPN) 4 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 3-0
31/03/10 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Seongnam (KOR) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Kawasaki (JPN) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
14/04/10 Kawasaki (JPN) 3 Seongnam (KOR) 0 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
28/04/10 Seongnam (KOR) 3 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 2 Kawasaki (JPN) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
Changchun Yatai finished ahead of Persipura Jayapura due to better record in head-to-head meetings.
Group G
P Suwon Bluewings Gamba Osaka Singapore Armed Forces Henan Jianye 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 1 0 D 1 3 1 3 L 1 0 4 3 F 13 11 6 3 A 4 5 16 8 Pts 13 12 4 3 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 Adelaide United Pohang Steelers Sanfrecce Hiroshima Shandong Luneng
Group H
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 3 2 D 1 1 0 0 L 2 2 3 4 F 6 8 11 5 A 4 7 11 8 Pts 10 10 9 6 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 3-1 HT: 0-0
24/02/10 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 0 Henan Jianye (CHN) 0 Armed Forces (SIN) 0
24/02/10 Sanfrecce (JPN) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 10/03/10 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 Sanfrecce (JPN) 1 24/03/10 Adelaide United (AUS) 3 Sanfrecce (JPN) 2 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 30/03/10 Sanfrecce (JPN) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 13/04/10 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 Sanfrecce (JPN) 3 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 27/04/10 Sanfrecce (JPN) 4 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 3 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1
10/03/10 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Henan Jianye (CHN) 1 Armed Forces (SIN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
23/03/10 Armed Forces (SIN) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 4 Henan Jianye (CHN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
31/03/10 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Armed Forces (SIN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2 Henan Jianye (CHN) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
13/04/10 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1 Armed Forces (SIN) 2 Henan Jianye (CHN) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
27/04/10 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 6 Armed Forces (SIN) 2 Henan Jianye (CHN) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1
HT: 4-1 HT: 0-1
Adelaide United finished ahead of Pohang Steelers due to better record in head-to-head meetings.
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30/01/10 06/02/10 Al Karamah (SYR) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 5 Churchill Brothers (IND) 2 Singapore Armed Forces (SIN) 3 Sriwijaya (IDN) 0 SHB Da Nang (VIE) 0 Muang Thong United (THA) 3 Singapore Armed Forces (SIN) 0 Muang Thong United (THA) 0 Singapore Armed Forces win 4-3 on penalties HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-2 HT: 0-0
East
30/01/10 31/01/10 06/02/10
Seongnam netted 25 goals on their path to the title in 2010.
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ACL 2009
Three times the charm for Steelers
Pohang Steelers savour their third continental title after defeating Al Ittihad 2-1 in the 2009 final in Tokyo.
In the first AFC Champions League final to be decided by a single game, Pohang Steelers made history by becoming the first club to be crowned Asian champions three times. The Korean outfit entered the final as slight underdogs against an Al Ittihad side that had recorded emphatic wins against Pakhtakor and Nagoya Grampus en route to the National Stadium in Tokyo. However, second-half strikes by No Byungjun and Kim Hyung-il put the Steelers in control before Mohammed Noor pulled back a goal to give the Saudis a glimmer of hope. Pohang held on though to become the second Korean club after Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2006 to win the AFC Champions League. The victory marked a glorious peak for Sergio Farias five-year tenure as Pohang head coach. Having already won every title available in Korea during his time there, the Brazilian left just over a month after engineering the AFC Champions League triumph to take charge of Saudi side Al Ahli.
Pohang fans had waited a long time to see their club return to the top of Asian football. The Steelers were a major force on the continent when they captured back-to-back Asian Club Championships in 1997 and 1998 but had been in the doldrums for a number of years, missing out on the first five editions of the AFC Champions League because of their disappointing form in the K-League. The arrival of Farias in 2005 sparked a revival. Just two years later, Pohang won their first league championship in over a decade after a 4-1 aggregate victory over Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the K-League championship final. However, their AFC Champions League debut in 2008 was a disappointment as they won only one of six group games and missed out on the knockout stage. They returned to the competition a year later as Korean FA Cup holders although they struggled initially, with three draws in their first four games during the group stage. But a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Central Coast Mariners and a 2-0 win at Kawasaki Frontale made them group winners and they
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soundly thrashed Australias Newcastle Jets 6-0 in the round of 16. Their battling qualities came to the fore in an epic quarter-final clash against Bunyodkor. Trailing 3-1 after the first leg, Pohang netted three second-half goals to take control in the return match, only for Bunyodkor to force extra-time with a last-minute goal.But the Korean side advanced thanks to Stevica Ristics extra-time winner. Qatars Umm Salal were despatched 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, setting up a final meeting with Al Ittihad, who had swept aside Nagoya 8-3. With the final turned from a two-legged affair to a single-game championship match played at a neutral venue, Al Ittihad spent two weeks in Tokyo after the Nagoya match to acclimatise for the final but the extra conditioning did not seem to be a factor during a turgid first half. Apart from a long-range free-kick by Hicham Aboucherouane which forced a wonderful
save out of Pohang goalkeeper Shin Hwayong, there was little to excite the crowd of 25,743. Al Ittihad turned up the heat in the second half and were unfortunate not to take the lead in the 47th minute when Amine Chermiti headed against the crossbar. But against the run of play, Pohang took the lead in the 57th minute as tournament MVP No fired in a free-kick from 25 metres that went through the Al Ittihad wall and into the far corner of the net. Pohang doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Kim Jae-sungs free-kick from the right was headed in by Kim Hyung-il. Al Ittihad would not throw in the towel and cut the deficit to one in the 77th minute when Noor volleyed home from close range. But it proved to be only a consolation for the Saudis as Shin repelled everything thrown at him in the dying minutes to confirm Pohangs victory.
07/11/09 Al Ittihad ............1 (Mohammed Noor 74)
Pohang Steelers ..............2 (No Byung-jun 57, Kim Hyung-il 66)
National Stadium, Tokyo

Macedonian forward Stevica Ristic celebrates Pohangs win in Tokyo.
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Final
07/11/09 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 HT: 0-0
Semi-finals
21/10/09 28/10/09 21/10/09 28/10/09 Al Ittihad (KSA) 6 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 2 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Al Ittihad win 8-3 on aggregate Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 Umm Salal (QAT) 0 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 Pohang Steelers win 4-1 on aggregate HT: 1-2 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
Quarter-finals
23/09/09 30/09/09 23/09/09 30/09/09 23/09/09 30/09/09 23/09/09 30/09/09 Umm Salal (QAT) 3 FC Seoul (KOR) 2 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Umm Salal win 4-3 on aggregate Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 2 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 3 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1 Nagoya Grampus win 4-3 on aggregate Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 4 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Al Ittihad win 5-1 on aggregate Bunyodkor (UZB) 3 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 4 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 aet FT: 3-1 Pohang Steelers win 5-4 on aggregate HT: 0-2 HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1 HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
Round of 16
26/05/09 27/05/09 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 Umm Salal (QAT) 0 aet FT: 0-0 Umm Salal win 4-3 on penalties Piroozi (IRN) 0 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 Ettifaq (KSA) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 FC Seoul (KOR) 2 aet FT: 2-2 FC Seoul win 5-4 on penalties Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 2 Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 3 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 6 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 2-1 HT: 2-0
24/06/09
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Al Hilal Pakhtakor Saba Battery Al Ahli 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 1 0 D 2 1 2 1 L 0 1 3 5 F 10 9 7 6 A 4 5 9 14 Pts 14 13 5 1 Piroozi Al Shabab Al Gharafa
Group B
P 4 4 4 W 2 2 1 D 1 1 0 L 1 1 3 F 5 4 7 A 6 2 8 Pts 7 7 3 HT: 1-3
10/03/09 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 3
10/03/09 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Saba Battery (IRN) 1 Al Ahli (UAE) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1 17/03/09 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Piroozi (IRN) 0 HT: 0-0
17/03/09 Saba Battery (IRN) 0 Al Ahli (UAE) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
08/04/09 Piroozi (IRN) 3 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1
HT: 2-0
07/04/09 Saba Battery (IRN) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
21/04/09 Al Gharafa (QAT) 5 Piroozi (IRN) 1
HT: 3-0
22/04/09 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Saba Battery (IRN) 1 Al Ahli (UAE) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 3
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-1
06/05/09 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Al Al Gharafa (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0
06/05/09 Saba Battery (IRN) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
20/05/09 Piroozi (IRN) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0
HT: 0-0
20/05/09 Al Ahli (UAE) 3 Saba Battery (IRN) 5 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 2-0
Piroozi finished ahead of Al Shabab due to better record in head-to-head meetings. Sharjah withdrew from competition. All results for matches involving Sharjah declared null and void.
Group C
P Al Ittihad Umm Salal Al Jazira Esteghlal 6 6 6 6 W 3 2 0 0 D 3 2 5 4 L 0 2 1 2 F 14 6 6 6 A 4 13 7 8 Pts 12 8 5 4 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 Ettifaq Bunyodkor Sepahan Al Shabab Al Arabi
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 2 2 2 D 0 2 1 1 L 2 2 3 3 F 15 5 9 6 A 8 9 7 11 Pts 12 8 7 7
11/03/09 Al Jazira (UAE) 0 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1
11/03/09 Bunyodkor (UZB) 2 Ettifaq (KSA) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 0 18/03/09 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 2 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Ettifaq (KSA) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 1 08/04/09 Bunyodkor (UZB) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Ettifaq (KSA) 4 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 1 21/04/09 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Bunyodkor (UZB) 1 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 1 Ettifaq (KSA) 4 05/05/09 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Ettifaq (KSA) 4 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 19/05/09 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Ettifaq (KSA) 0 Bunyodkor (UZB) 0 Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) 0
18/03/09 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Jazira (UAE) 1 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-1
07/04/09 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Esteghlal (IRN) 0 Al Jazira (UAE) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
22/04/09 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Umm Salal (QAT) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Al Jazira (UAE) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
05/05/09 Umm Salal (QAT) 2 Al Jazira (UAE) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1
HT: 0-2 HT: 0-0
19/05/09 Al Jazira UAE) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 7 Umm Salal (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 3-0
Bunyodkor finished ahead of Al Shabab Al Arabi due to better record in head-to-head meetings.
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Group E
P Nagoya Grampus Newcastle Jets Ulsan Hyundai Beijing Guoan 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 3 1 0 2 L 0 2 4 3 F 10 6 4 4 A 4 5 10 5 Pts 12 10 6 5 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 Gamba Osaka FC Seoul Shandong Luneng Sriwijaya
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 5 3 2 1 D 0 1 1 0 L 1 2 3 5 F 17 14 10 7 A 4 11 9 24 Pts 15 10 7 3
10/03/09 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 3 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 2 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 0
10/03/09 Sriwijaya (IDN) 2 FC Seoul (KOR) 4 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 17/03/09 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 5 Sriwijaya (IDN) 0 FC Seoul (KOR) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 4 08/04/09 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 FC Seoul (KOR) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 5 Sriwijaya (IDN) 0 21/04/09 Sriwijaya (IDN) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 FC Seoul (KOR) 1 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 05/05/09 FC Seoul (KOR) 5 Sriwijaya (IDN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 3-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-2 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
17/03/09 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 0 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 2 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
07/04/09 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
22/04/09 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 0 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
06/05/09 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 4 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 2 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 1
HT: 2-1 HT: 0-0
06/05/09 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1
HT: 0-0
20/05/09 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 0 Newcastle Jets (AUS) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 1 Nagoya Grampus (JPN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1
20/05/09 Sriwijaya (IDN) 4 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 FC Seoul (KOR) 2
HT: 0-2 HT: 0-0
Group G
P Kashima Antlers Suwon Bluewings Shanghai Shenhua Singapore Armed Forces 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 2 0 D 1 0 2 1 L 1 2 2 5 F 16 12 9 4 A 6 8 8 19 Pts 13 12 8 1 Pohang Steelers Kawasaki Frontale Tianjin Teda Central Coast Mariners
Group H
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 0 D 3 1 2 2 L 0 2 2 4 F 7 10 6 5 A 3 7 5 13 Pts 12 10 8 2
11/03/09 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 4 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 4 Armed Forces (SIN) 1
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
11/03/09 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 0 Central Coast (AUS) 0 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
18/03/09 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 2 Shanghai (CHN) 0 Armed Forces (SIN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
18/03/09 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 2 Central Coast (AUS) 2 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
07/04/09 Armed Forces (SIN) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 4 Shanghai (CHN) 2 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1
HT: 1-2 HT: 1-0
08/04/09 Central Coast (AUS) 0 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 5 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 1 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 0
HT: 0-3 HT: 0-0
22/04/09 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 5 Armed Forces (SIN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2 Shanghai (CHN) 1
HT: 2-0 HT: 2-1
21/04/09 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 2 Central Coast (AUS) 1 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 0 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
05/05/09 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 3 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 0 Armed Forces (SIN) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 1
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
05/05/09 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 3 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 3 Central Coast (AUS) 2
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
19/05/09 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 3 Armed Forces (SIN) 1 Shanghai (CHN) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-1
19/05/09 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 0 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 Central Coast (AUS) 0 Tianjin Teda (CHN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
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25/02/09 Sharjah (UAE) 3 Dempo SC (IND) 0 HT: 2-0
East
18/02/09 25/02/09 Provincial Electricity Authority (THA) 1 Singapore Armed Forces (SIN) HT: 1-1 4 aet FT: 1-1 Singapore Armed Forces (SIN) 2 PSMS Medan (IDN) 1 aet FT: 1-1 HT: 1-0
Pohang lost only one of 12 games during their run to the championship in 2009.
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ACL 2008
Gamba clinch title in emphatic fashion
Celebrations Down Under as Gamba Osaka lift the trophy after their emphatic victory over Adelaide United.
Gamba Osaka became the second consecutive J.League club to win the AFC Champions League with an emphatic victory over Adelaide United of Australia in the two-legged final. Goals by Lucas, Yasuhito Endo and Michihiro Yasuda in the first leg in Japan had given Gamba a formidable advantage to take to South Australia for the return game. And the Japanese side effectively wrapped up the tie when Lucas scored twice in the first 15 minutes at Hindmarsh Stadium to complete a 5-0 aggregate victory, which was the largest ever margin of victory in an AFC Champions League final played over two legs. In the end, it was a deserved victory for Gamba, who became just the third club after Saudi Arabias Al Ittihad in 2005 and Japanese rivals Urawa Reds in 2007 to go through the entire competition with an unbeaten record. More impressively, they won nine matches and all six of their away games on their march to the title. But while Akira Nishinos side ultimately took the title in a convincing manner, they had hardly looked like a championship side eight months
earlier when they kicked off their campaign at home against Thailands Chonburi and needed a stoppage-time equaliser by Lucas to salvage a 1-1 draw. However, Gamba got on track with a pair of remarkable away wins. They first came from 2-0 down to beat Korean side Chunnam Dragon 4-3 and then won a see-saw encounter by the same score against Australian champions Melbourne Victory thanks to another late Lucas goal. They duly won their next two games to clinch first place in their group and then dispatched Syrias Al Karama 4-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals to set up a last four meeting with J.League rivals and defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds. Urawa entered the semi-final tie as favourites and Gamba needed a late Endo penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg. But in the return game, they recovered from a 1-0 deficit at half-time with goals by Satoshi Yamaguchi, Endo and Tomokazu Myojin that lifted them to a memorable 3-1 victory and a place in the AFC Champions League final.
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Adelaide had conceded only four goals in 10 games during their run to the final but they were put to the sword by Gamba in the first leg at the Expo 70 Commemorative Stadium. But in the return game, they recovered from a 1-0 deficit at half-time with goals by Satoshi Yamaguchi, Endo and Tomokazu Myojin lifting them to a memorable 3-1 victory and a place in the AFC Champions League final. Adelaide conceded only four goals in 10 games during their run to the final but they were put to the sword by Gamba in the first leg at the Expo 70 Commemorative Stadium. Lucas opened the scoring with a deflected shot in the 37th minute and then set up the second for Endo six minutes later before Yasuda volleyed home Gambas third midway through the second half. Endo had a last minute effort disallowed but the Japanese side appeared well on course for the trophy as they travelled to Australia for the second leg. Any hope that Adelaide had of rescuing the tie then disappeared within the first quarter-of-anhour of the return match.
After just four minutes, Lucas turned the ball in after Adelaide goalkeeper Mark Birighitti had parried Hayato Sasakis shot from the edge of the area. And 11 minutes later, the Brazilian took one touch to control Takahiro Futagawas through ball on the counter-attack and poked the ball past Birighitti for his sixth goal of the competition. Having watched Urawa become the first Japanese team to win the AFC Champions League a year earlier, Nishino said there was a determination within his side to emulate that feat. I wanted to win after what Reds did but I wanted to do it with a different style, said the Gamba coach. We won all our away matches and that showed we are in good shape. As a coach Im very satisfied, its something I have aimed for throughout the season. The standard has been very high and Im really very happy that we have won.

First Leg 05/11/08 Gamba Osaka 3 (Lucas 37, Yasuhito Endo 43, Michihiro Yasuda 68) Adelaide United .0 Expo 70 Commemorative Stadium, Osaka Second Leg 12/11/08 Adelaide United 0 Gamba Osaka... 2 (Lucas 4, 14)
Gamba Osakas 5-0 aggregate victory was the most emphatic triumph in AFC Champions League final history.
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide Gamba Osaka win 5-0 on aggregate
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Final
05/11/08 12/11/08 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Gamba Osaka win 5-0 on aggregate HT: 2-0 HT: 0-2
Semi-finals
08/10/08 22/10/08 Adelaide United (AUS) 3 Kuruvchi (UZB) 0 Kuruvchi (UZB) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Adelaide United win 3-1 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
08/10/08 22/10/08
Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 1 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Gamba Osaka win 4-2 on aggregate
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
Quarter-finals
17/09/08 24/09/08 Saipa (IRN) 2 Kuruvchi (UZB) 2 Kuruvchi (UZB) 5 Saipa (IRN) 1 Kuruvchi win 7-3 on aggregate HT: 2-2 HT: 3-0
17/09/08 24/09/08
Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 0 Adelaide United win 2-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
17/09/08 24/09/08
Al Qadisiya (KUW) 3 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 0 Urawa Red Diamonds win 4-3 on aggregate
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
17/09/08 24/09/08
Al Karama (SYR) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 0 Gamba Osaka win 4-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
Urawa Red Diamonds received a bye into the Knockout Stage as defending champions
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Kuruvchi Al Ittihad (KSA) Sepahan Al Ittihad (SYR) 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 2 D 1 0 1 0 L 1 3 3 4 F 8 6 5 4 A 2 5 8 8 Pts 13 9 7 6 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 Saipa Al Quwa Al Jawiya Al Wasl Al Kuwait
Group B
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 2 2 1 D 3 2 1 2 L 0 2 3 3 F 7 5 5 4 A 3 5 7 6 Pts 12 8 7 5 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
12/03/08 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Al Ittihad (SYR) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Kuruvchi (UZB) 0
12/03/08 Al Wasl (UAE) 0 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1 Saipa (IRN) 1
19/03/08 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Kuruvchi (UZB) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
19/03/08 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Saipa (IRN) 2 Al Wasl (UAE) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
09/04/08 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Kuruvchi (UZB) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
09/04/08 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0 Saipa (IRN) 1 Al Wasl (UAE) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
23/04/08 Kuruvchi (UZB) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 Sepahan (IRN) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
23/04/08 Saipa (IRN) 1 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 2 Al Wasl (UAE) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1
07/05/08 Al Ittihad (SYR) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Kuruvchi (UZB) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
07/05/08 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1 Al Wasl (UAE) 2 Saipa (IRN) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0
HT: 1-2 HT: 1-0
21/05/08 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Kuruvchi (UZB) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0
21/05/08 Al Wasl (UAE) 1 Saipa (IRN) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 2
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1
Group C
P Al Karama Al Wahda Al Sadd Al Ahli 6 6 6 6 W 3 2 1 0 D 2 3 3 4 L 1 1 2 2 F 8 6 6 5 A 3 7 8 7 Pts 11 9 6 4 HT: 2-0 HT: 2-0 Al Qadisiya Pakhtakor Arbil Al Gharafa
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 0 D 2 2 2 2 L 1 1 2 4 F 8 13 8 3 A 7 6 11 8 Pts 11 11 8 2 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1 HT: 2-1 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-2
12/03/08 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 4 Al Wahda (UAE) 1
12/03/08 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 1 Arbil (IRQ) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 19/03/08 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 1 Arbil (IRQ) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 09/04/08 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 1 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Arbil (IRQ) 0 23/04/08 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 1 Arbil (IRQ) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 5 07/05/08 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Arbil (IRQ) 1 21/05/08 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Arbil (IRQ) 4 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2
19/03/08 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-1
09/04/08 Al Ahli (KSA) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
23/04/08 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
07/05/08 Al Ahli (KSA) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 0
HT: 2-1 HT: 0-0
21/05/08 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 0 Al Ahli (KSA) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Al Qadisiya finished ahead of Pakhtakor due to better record in head-tohead meetings
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Group E
P Adelaide United Changchun Yatai Pohang Steelers Binh Duong 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 1 0 D 2 3 2 1 L 0 0 3 5 F 9 10 6 4 A 2 3 7 17 Pts 14 12 5 1 Kashima Antlers Beijing Guoan Krung Thai Bank Nam Dinh
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 5 4 2 0 D 0 0 1 1 L 1 2 3 5 F 28 14 20 4 A 3 9 27 27 Pts 15 12 7 1
12/03/08 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 2 Binh Duong (VIE) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 19/03/08 Binh Duong (VIE) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 4 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 09/04/08 Binh Duong (VIE) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 23/04/08 Adelaide United (AUS) 4 Binh Duong (VIE) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 2 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 2 07/05/08 Binh Duong (VIE) 0 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 5 Adelaide United (AUS) 1 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 21/05/08 Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 Binh Duong (VIE) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-3 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
12/03/08 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 9 Nam Dinh (VIE) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 3
HT: 0-3 HT: 1-0
19/03/08 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 6 Nam Dinh (VIE) 0 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 4 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
09/04/08 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 0 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 9 Nam Dinh (VIE) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 3-0
23/04/08 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 1 Kashima Antlers 0 (JPN) Nam Dinh (VIE) 2 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
07/05/08 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 8 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 3 Nam Dinh (VIE) 0
HT: 3-0 HT: 2-0
22/05/08 Changchun Yatai (CHN) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 0
HT: 0-0
21/05/08 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 5 Beijing Guoan (CHN) 3 Nam Dinh (VIE) 0 Kashima Antlers (JPN) 4
HT: 3-0 HT: 0-1
Group G
P Gamba Osaka Melbourne Victory Chunnam Dragons Chonburi 6 6 6 6 W 4 2 1 1 D 2 1 3 2 L 0 3 2 3 F 14 10 8 7 A 8 11 10 10 Pts 14 7 6 5
12/03/08 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 2 Chunnam (KOR) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Chonburi (THA) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
19/03/08 Chunnam (KOR) 3 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 4 Chonburi (THA) 3 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1
HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
09/04/08 Chunnam (KOR) 1 Chonburi (THA) 0 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 3 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 4
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-2
23/04/08 Chonburi (THA) 2 Chunnam (KOR) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
07/05/08 Chunnam (KOR) 1 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 1 Chonburi (THA) 0 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
21/05/08 Melbourne Victory (AUS) 3 Chonburi (THA) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Chunnam (KOR) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Gamba striker Lucas and Adelaides Scott Jamieson challenge for the ball during the final.
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Gambas impressive unbeaten run to the 2008 title saw them win nine of 12 games.
144
ACL 2007
Red letter day for Urawa
The celebrations kick-off in Saitama after Urawa Red Diamonds became the first Japanese club to lift the AFC Champions League title in 2007.
Urawa Red Diamonds became the first Japanese side to win the AFC Champions League as goals from Yuichiro Nagai and Yuki Abe earned the J.League champions a 2-0 win over Sepahan of Iran at Saitama World Cup Stadium and a 3-1 aggregate victory. Nagai put Urawa ahead in the 22nd minute in front of more than 59,000 fans before Abe doubled his sides advantage on the night with a header from close range 19 minutes from time, wrapping up what was a comfortable win for Holger Osiecks side. It brought a glorious end to the clubs first continental campaign which came just a year after their maiden J.League championship. Urawa went unbeaten through their 12 games in the competition although it was by no means an easy stroll to the title for the Japanese club, who had to endure a tough opening round group and a tense penalty shootout in the semifinals. After a straightforward 3-0 win over Indonesias Persik Kediri in their home opener, Reds had to come from two goals down to draw 2-2
with Australian champions Sydney FC in their second game. A home win and away draw against Shanghai Shenhua put them in pole position but they left themselves with some work to do after only managing a 3-3 away draw with Persik in their penultimate group game. Needing to avoid defeat at home against Sydney in their final game, they played out a goalless draw to advance and then eliminated defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors with a 4-1 aggregate triumph in the quarterfinals. Their semi-final clash with another Korean outfit, Seognam Ilhwa Chunma, was a more compelling affair. Urawa held the upper hand after a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Korea but Seongnam recovered from going a goal in the return match at Saitama to take a 2-1 lead before Makoto Hasebes 73rd minute equaliser forced the match into extra-time and, subsequently, penalties. Choi Sung-kuk missed Seongnams second spot kick and it would prove decisive as Urawa
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netted all five of their attempts to seal a 5-3 shootout win and become the first Japanese club to reach the AFC Champions League final. They travelled to Esfahan to face a wellorganised Sepahan side which had allowed only one goal in their previous six AFC Champions League matches during their run to the final. Brazilian playmaker Robson Ponte gave the visitors the lead with a dipping shot from outside the box shortly before half-time but Mahmoud Karimi levelled for the Iranian side by tucking away a rebound just seconds after the interval. With a precious away goal in hand, Reds made the long journey back home knowing that they held the upper hand.
And they pressed their advantage home in Saitama, taking the lead midway through the first half when Pontes ball forward took a deflection and eluded Jaba Mujiri before falling nicely for Nagai to lash the ball past goalkeeper Abaas Mohammadi from the edge of the box. Washington nearly made it 2-0 with an outrageous lob from just inside the Sepahan half that clipped the top of Mohammadis crossbar. But with the Iranian side offering little real threat, the result was sealed in the 71st minute when Abe pounced to head home the rebound after a fierce shot by Nagai had been superbly saved by Mohammadi.

First leg 07/11/07 Sepahan ..................................1 (Mahmoud Karimi 47) Urawa Red DIamonds ............1 (Robson Ponte 45) Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan
Second leg 14/11/07 Urawa Red Diamonds........................2 (Yuichiro Nagai 22, Yuki Abe 71) Sepahan ........................0
Urawa coach Holger Osieck shows his delight on the touchline after his sides 3-1 aggregate win over Sepahan.
Saitama World Cup Stadium, Saitama Urawa Reds win 3-1 on aggregate
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Final
07/11/07 14/11/07 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 1 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Sepahan 0 (IRN) Urawa Red Diamonds win 3-1 on aggregate HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
Semi-finals
03/10/07 24/10/07 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 2 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 2 (AET) Aggregate score 4-4. Urawa Red Diamonds win 5-3 on penalties HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
03/10/07 24/10/07
Sepahan (IRN) 3 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Sepahan win 3-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
Quarter-finals
19/09/07 26/09/07 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 0 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 0 Sepahan (IRN) 0 Aggregate score 0-0. Sepahan win 5-4 on penalties HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
19/09/07 26/09/07
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 0 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma win 4-1 on aggregate
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-1
19/09/07 26/09/07
Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Aggregate score 1-1. Al Wahda win on away goals
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
19/09/07 26/09/07
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 0 Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 2 Urawa Red Diamonds win 4-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors received a bye into the knockout stage as the defending champions.
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Al Wahda Al Zawraa Al Arabi Al Rayyan 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 0 D 1 2 1 2 L 1 1 3 4 F 13 9 10 3 A 6 6 12 11 Pts 13 11 7 2 Al Hilal Pakhtakor Al Kuwait
Group B
P 4 4 4 W 2 2 0 D 2 0 2 L 0 2 2 F 5 3 2 A 1 5 4 Pts 8 6 2 HT: 1-0
07/03/07 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1
07/03/07 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 21/03/07 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 HT: 0-0
21/03/07 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 0 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0 Al Wahda (UAE) 4 Al Arabi (KUW) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 11/04/07 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 HT: 0-0
11/04/07 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Al Arabi (KUW) 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 25/04/07 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 HT: 1-0
25/04/07 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Al Arabi (KUW) 3 Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0 09/05/07 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 HT: 0-0
09/05/07 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 2 Al Wahda (UAE) 3 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0 23/05/07 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1 HT: 1-0
23/05/07 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 3 Al Wahda (UAE) 2
HT: 0-3 HT: 1-1 Esteghlal (IRN) disqualified for failing to comply with player registration rules
Group C
P Al Karama Neftchi Al Najaf Al Sadd 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 2 1 2 1 L 1 2 2 4 F 11 6 9 6 A 7 7 8 10 Pts 11 10 8 4 Sepahan Al Shabab Al Ain Al Ittihad
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 1 0 D 1 1 3 3 L 1 2 2 3 F 12 9 5 3 A 5 3 8 13 Pts 13 10 6 3
07/03/07 Al Najaf (IRQ) 0 Neftchi (UZB) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
07/03/07 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Ittihad (SYR) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 2
HT: 2-1 HT: 0-1
21/03/07 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Najaf (IRQ) 4 Neftchi (UZB) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
21/03/07 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
11/04/07 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Neftchi (UZB) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Al Najaf (IRQ) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
11/04/07 Al Shabab (KSA) 4 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Sepahan (IRN) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-1
25/04/07 Al Najaf (IRQ) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 4 Neftchi (UZB) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-1
25/04/07 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
09/05/07 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Neftchi (UZB) 1 Al Najaf (IRQ) 1
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0
09/05/07 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Sepahan (IRN) 5
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-3
23/05/07 Al Najaf (IRQ) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 2 Neftchi (UZB) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
23/05/07 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
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Group E
P Urawa Red Diamonds Sydney FC Persik Kediri Shanghai Shenhua 6 6 6 6 W 2 2 2 1 D 4 3 1 2 L 0 1 3 3 F 9 8 6 7 A 5 5 16 4 Pts 10 9 7 5 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-2 Kawasaki Frontale Chunnam Dragons Arema Malang Bangkok University
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 5 3 1 0 D 1 1 1 3 L 0 2 4 3 F 15 7 2 4 A 4 8 9 7 Pts 16 10 4 3 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
07/03/07 Urawa (JPN) 3 Persik Kediri (IDN) 0 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 Sydney FC (AUS) 2
07/03/07 Bangkok University (THA) 0 Chunnam (KOR) 0 Arema Malang (IDN) 1 Kawasaki (JPN) 3
31/03/07 Persik Kediri (IDN) 1 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 0 Sydney FC (AUS) 2 Urawa (JPN) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1
21/03/07 Kawasaki (JPN) 1 Bangkok University (THA) 1 Chunnam (KOR) 2 Arema Malang (IDN) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
11/04/07 Persik Kediri (IDN) 2 Sydney FC (AUS) 1 Urawa (JPN) 1 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 0
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0
11/04/07 Chunnam (KOR) 1 Kawasaki (JPN) 3 Bangkok University (THA) 0 Arema Malang (IDN) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
25/04/07 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 0 Urawa (JPN) 0 Sydney FC (AUS) 3 Persik Kediri (IDN) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
25/04/07 Arema Malang (IDN) 1 Bangkok University (THA) 0 Kawasaki (JPN) 3 Chunnam (KOR) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
09/05/07 Persik Kediri (IDN) 3 Urawa (JPN) 3 Sydney FC (AUS) 0 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 0
HT: 2-1 HT: 0-0
09/05/07 Chunnam (KOR) 3 Bangkok University (THA) 2 Kawasaki (JPN) 3 Arema Malang (IDN) 0
HT: 1-2 HT: 1-0
23/05/07 Urawa (JPN) 0 Sydney FC (AUS) 0 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 6 Persik Kediri (IDN) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
23/05/07 Bangkok University (THA) 1 Kawasaki (JPN) 2 Arema Malang (IDN) 0 Chunnam (KOR) 1
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
Group G
P Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma Shandong Luneng Adelaide United Dong Tam Long An 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 2 0 D 1 1 2 0 L 1 1 2 6 F 13 12 9 4 A 6 8 6 18 Pts 13 13 8 0
07/03/07 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Shandong (CHN) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 4 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 1 21/03/07 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Shandong (CHN) 2 Seongnam (KOR) 1 11/04/07 Shandong (CHN) 4 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 0 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Seongnam (KOR) 2 25/04/07 Seongnam (KOR) 1 Adelaide United (AUS) 0 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 2 Shandong (CHN) 3 09/05/07 Shandong (CHN) 2 Adelaide United (AUS) 2 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 2 23/05/07 Adelaide United (AUS) 3 Dong Tam Long An (VIE) 0 Seongnam (KOR) 3 Shandong (CHN) 0
Seongnam finished ahead of Shandong due to better record in head-tohead meetings.
Urawa midfielder Makoto Hasebe holds off the attention of a Seongnam player during the semi-finals.
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Jubilant Urawa captain Keita Suzuki lifts the AFC Champions League trophy.
152
ACL 2006
Ze Carlo heads Jeonbuk to victory
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors coach Choi Kang-hee (centre) is surrounded by his jubilant players after the Korean side beat Syrias Al Karama to win the AFC Champions League in 2006.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors let a two-goal advantage slip but a dramatic late header by Brazilian striker Ze Carlo saw the Korean side become the first east Asian team to lift the AFC Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate win against Al Karama of Syria. Second-half strikes in Homs by Iyad Mando and Mohanad Ibrahim had wiped out Jeonbuks 2-0 lead from the first leg. But with only two minutes left, Chung Jung-kwans cross from the right flank found Ze Carlo completely unmarked in the Al Karama box. The Brazilian buried the ball into the Al Karama net to complete Jeonbuks unlikely championship run, earning the Korean FA Cup holders the AFC Champions League title and a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. While Jeonbuk struggled in 2006 in their domestic league, where they finished with the fourth worst record, they enjoyed an excellent run on the continental stage as they eliminated Japanese champions Gamba Osaka and Chinese champions Dalian Shide during the
group stage and overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Chinas Shanghai Shenhua in the quarter-finals. They faced another tough task in the last four after losing 3-2 at home against K-League champions Ulsan Hyundai in the first leg of the semi-finals. But Choi Kang-hees side put their league rivals to the sword in the return game as they recorded a stunning 4-1 win to set up a meeting in the final with Al Karama. The Syrian team had also overcome the odds in order to become the first club from their country to reach the AFC Champions League final. Playing in the competition for the first time, they had eliminated a number of top west Asian sides, including two-time defending champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals. Jeonbuk had suffered heartbreak in their previous two continental campaigns. They lost 2-1 after extra time to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the 2002 Asian Cup Winners Cup and missed
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out on the 2004 AFC Champions League final after Osama Al Harbis last-minute strike earned Al Ittihad a 4-3 aggregate win. However, they put themselves into a strong position in the 2006 final as they grabbed a 2-0 lead at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium with goals by Yeom Ki-hun and Brazilian playmaker Botti. Yeom, who had recovered from serious injuries sustained in a car crash just four months earlier, capped an excellent performance by curling in the opening goal after 59 minutes. Botti then netted the second in stoppage time, stabbing the ball home after Al Karama goalkeeper Mosab Balhous could only parry a low cross by Chung Jung-kwan. Needing two goals to rescue the tie, Al Karama dominated the return match at the Khaled Bin Al Waleed Stadium in Homs.
The pressure paid off when the Syrians opened the scoring in the 54th minute after Mohanad Ibrahim unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area which beat Jeonbuk goalkeeper Kwoun Sun-tae and cannoned off both posts before Mando slammed the ball into the net. Six minutes later Al Karama levelled the aggregate score when Bilal Abduldaim made his way down the right flank before finding Ibrahim, who caught Kwoun off guard with his shot from a tight angle that looped over the keeper and into the net. But Al Karama would rue their missed opportunities when Chung broke down the right in the dying minute before crossing towards Ze Carlo, who peeled away from his marker to head into an empty net.

First Leg 01/11/06 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors .2 (Yeom Ki-hun 59, Botti 90+1) Al Karama ..0 Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju Second Leg 08/11/06 Al Karama 2 (Iyad Mando 54, Mohanad Ibrahim 60) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors ....1 (Ze Carlo 88)
Chung Jung-kwan and Ze Carlo celebrate during Jeonbuks 2-0 win in the first leg of the final.
Khaled bin Al Walid Stadium, Homs Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 3-2 on aggregate
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Final
01/11/06 08/11/06 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 3-2 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Semi-finals
27/09/06 18/10/06 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 2 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 3 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 4 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 6-4 on aggregate HT: 1-2 HT: 0-2
27/09/06 18/10/06
Al Karama (SYR) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Al Karama win 1-0 on aggregate
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
Quarter-finals
13/09/06 20/09/06 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 0 Al Karama (SYR) 4 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 aet FT: 2-0 Al Karama win 4-2 on aggregate HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
13/09/06 20/09/06
Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 0 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 4 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 2 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors win 4-3 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
13/09/06 20/09/06
Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 3 Al Qadisiya win 5-2 on aggregate
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
13/09/06 20/09/06
Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 6 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Ulsan Hyundai win 7-0 on aggregate
HT: 3-0 HT: 0-0
Al Ittihad received a bye into the Knockout Stage as defending champions
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Al Qadisiya Pakhtakor Al Ittihad Foolad 6 6 6 6 W 3 3 2 1 D 2 1 2 1 L 1 2 2 4 F 9 11 6 8 A 11 7 7 9 Pts 11 10 7 4 HT: 1-0 HT: 3-0 Al Ain Al Hilal Mashal Al Minaa
Group B
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 0 D 1 1 2 2 L 1 2 2 4 F 10 12 7 6 A 6 7 11 11 Pts 13 10 8 2
08/03/06 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Foolad (IRN) 6 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 0
08/03/06 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 Al Minaa (IRQ) 0 Mashal (UZB) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
22/03/06 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Foolad (IRN) 0 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
22/03/06 Al Hilal (KSA) 3 Al Minaa (IRQ) 1 Mashal (UZB) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 1
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
12/04/06 Al Ittihad (SYR) 2 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Foolad (IRN) 0
HT: 1-1 HT: 2-0
12/04/06 Al Hilal (KSA) 5 Mashal (UZB) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Minaa (IRQ) 1
HT: 2-0 HT: 2-1
26/04/06 Foolad (IRN) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
26/04/06 Al Minaa (IRQ) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Mashal (UZB) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
03/05/06 Al Ittihad (SYR) 2 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Foolad (IRN) 0
HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
03/05/06 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Mashal (UZB) 2 Al Minaa (IRQ) 2
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-1
17/05/06 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Qadisiya (KUW) 2 Foolad (IRN) 1 Al Ittihad (SYR) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
17/05/06 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Mashal (UZB) 1 Al Minaa (IRQ) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 1
HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
Group C
P Al Karama Saba Battery Al Wahda Al Gharafa 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 2 D 0 1 1 0 L 2 2 3 4 F 10 13 14 11 A 11 8 15 14 Pts 12 10 7 6 Al Shabab Al Sadd Al Quwa Al Jawiya Al Arabi
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 2 1 D 1 1 0 0 L 1 1 4 5 F 9 13 5 5 A 6 5 9 12 Pts 13 13 6 3
08/03/06 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0 Saba Battery (IRN) 2 Al Karama (SYR) 2 Al Wahda (UAE) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-1
08/03/06 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 22/03/06 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 4 Al Arabi (KUW) 1 12/04/06 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Arabi (KUW) 3 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 26/04/06 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 3 Al Quwa Al Jawiya 0 (IRQ) 03/05/06 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 3 17/05/06 Al Arabi (KUW) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1
22/03/06 Saba Battery (IRN) 1 Al Karama (SYR) 2 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0
12/04/06 Saba Battery (IRN) 2 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Al Gharafa (QAT) 4 Al Karama (SYR) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
26/04/06 Al Karama (SYR) 3 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 2 Saba Battery (IRN) 4
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-2
03/05/06 Saba Battery (IRN) 4 Al Gharafa (QAT) 1 Al Wahda (UAE) 4 Al Karama (SYR) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-2
17/05/06 Al Gharafa (QAT) 5 Al Wahda (UAE) 3 Al Karama (SYR) 1 Saba Battery (IRN) 0
HT: 2-1 HT: 1-0
Al Shabab finished ahead of Al Sadd due to better record in head-tohead meetings.
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Group E
P Jeonbuk Motors Dalian Shide Gamba Osaka Da Nang 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 3 0 D 1 0 1 0 L 1 2 2 6 F 11 7 26 1 A 5 6 7 27 Pts 13 12 10 0 Ulsan Hyundai Tokyo Verdy 1969
Group F
P 2 2 W 2 0 D 0 0 L 0 2 F 3 0 A 0 3 Pts 6 0 HT: 0-0
08/03/06 Tokyo Verdy (JPN) 0 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 2
08/03/06 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 3 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 2 Da Nang (VIE) 0 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2
HT: 1-1 HT: 0-1
03/05/06 Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) 1 Tokyo Verdy (KOR) 0
HT: 1-0
22/03/06 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 15 Da Nang (VIE) 0 Dalian Shide (CHN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 0
HT: 6-0 HT: 1-0
Arema Malang (IDN) and Thai Tobacco Monopoly (THA) were disqualified for failing to comply with the competitions Player Registration rules.
12/04/06 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 3 Dalian Shide (CHN) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 3 Da Nang (VIE) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
26/04/06 Da Nang (VIE) 0 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
03/05/06 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 1 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Dalian Shide (CHN) 1 Da Nang (VIE) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
17/05/06 Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 3 Dalian Shide (CHN) 1 Da Nang (VIE) 1 Gamba Osaka (JPN) 5
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-3
Group G
P Shanghai Shenhua Gach Dong Tam Long An 2 2 W 2 0 D 0 0 L 0 2 F 7 3 A 3 7 Pts 6 0 HT: 2-0
08/03/06 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 3 Dong Tam (VIE) 1
03/05/06 Dong Tam (VIE) 2 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 4
HT: 1-1
Persipura Jayapura (IDN) and Provincial Electricity Authority (THA) were disqualified for failing to comply with the competitions Player Registration rules.
Brazilian striker Ze Carlo netted some timely goals for Jeonbuk in 2006 including the winner in the final.
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Yeom Ki-hun (left) celebrates with Jeonbuk teammate Kim Hyueng-bum after scoring the opening goal in the first leg of the final.
160
ACL 2005
Al Ittihad tighten grip
Jubilant scenes on the victory podium in Jeddah after Al Ittihad successfully defended their AFC Champions League crown in 2005.
Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia confirmed their status as Asias top club when they won the AFC Champions League for a second year running thanks to a 4-2 win over Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates which wrapped up a 5-3 aggregate victory. Having drawn the first leg in Al Ain 1-1, Al Ittihad were fast out of the blocks in the return match, storming into a two-goal lead at the break following a second-minute strike from Mohamed Kallon and a Mohammed Noor header on 33 minutes . Although Al Ain pulled one back through a Shebab Ahmed penalty 10 minutes after the restart, the side from Jeddah reasserted their supremacy a minute later through JosephDesire Job, later sent off. Ahmed Dokhi netted a fourth for the hosts with 22 minutes left before Luis Tejada pulled back a consolation for the visitors in added time. Granted a bye into the knockout stage as the tournaments defending champions, Al
Ittihad ruthlessly swept aside their opponents, netting 20 goals in just six games. Shandong Luneng gave the Jeddah side a brief scare in the quarter-finals when Li Xiaopeng scored early in the second leg to put the Chinese side ahead after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in China. But Al Ittihad ran riot thereafter, romping to a 7-2 win and an 8-3 aggregate victory. Returning in the semi-finals to Korea, where they had captured the title the previous year with a 5-0 win over Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, Al Ittihad amazingly repeated the trick, hammering Busan IPark by the same score en route to a 7-0 aggregate triumph. And so the third AFC Champions League final featured the winners of the first two tournament as Al Ittihad took on 2003 winners Al Ain, who had thumped Chinese champions Shenzhen Jianlibao 6-0 in the last four. The club from the UAE took the match to their opponents in the first leg at the Tahnon Bin
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Mohammed Stadium and grabbed the lead through Ali Msarri five minutes into the second half. But with five minutes remaining, Adnan Ibrahim was hacked down in the Al Ain box and Kallon converted the spot kick to send the tie back to Jeddah all square. Having struck late in the first leg, Kallon found the net again early in the return match, accurately placing a free-kick from the edge of the Al Ain box into the top right corner of the net. The hosts extended their lead on 33 minutes. Tcheco floated a free-kick into the danger area from the left and an unchallenged Mohammed Noor planted a header just wide of Abdulla Mutazs right hand and in off the left upright.
Al Ain cut the deficit when skipper Fahad Ali was tripped in the box by Tcecho and Shebab stepped up to send Mabrouk Zaid the wrong way with 35 minutes left to play. But their joy lasted just 60 seconds as Alberto Blanco and Ali Msarri both failed to make contact with Tchecos free-kick from the right and Job was on hand at the near post to head home. And any hopes the visitors had of finding a way back into the game was snuffed out when Dokhi, overlapping down the right, fired the ball across Mutaz and into the far corner of the net. Tejadas late effort was no more than a consolation for the vanquished men in purple.

First Leg 26/10/05 Al Ain 1 (Ali Msarri 50) Al Ittihad 1 (Mohamed Kallon 85) Tahnon Bin Mohammed Stadium, Al Ain Second Leg 05/11/05 Al Ittihad ..4 (Mohamed Kallon 2, Mohammed Noor 33, Joseph-Desire Job 57, Ahmed Dokhi 69) Al Ain 2 (Shehab Ahmed 55-pen, Luis Tejada 90)
Al Ittihads Osama Al Harbi battling for possession against Al Ain in the first leg of the final.
Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah Al Ittihad win 5-3 on aggregate
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Final
26/10/05 05/11/05 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 4 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Ittihad win 5-3 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0
Semi-finals
28/09/05 12/10/05 Al Ain (UAE) 6 Shenzhen Jianlibao (CHN) 0 Shenzhen Jianlibao (CHN) 0 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Al Ain win 6-0 on aggregate HT: 4-0 HT: 0-0
28/09/05 12/10/05
Busan IPark (KOR) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 5 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Busan IPark (KOR) 0 Al Ittihad win 7-0 on aggregate
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
Quarter-finals
14/09/05 21/09/05 Al Ahli (KSA) 2 Shenzhen Jianlibao (CHN) 1 Shenzhen Jianlibao (CHN) 3 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 aet FT: 2-1 Shenzhen Jianlibao win 4-3 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1
14/09/05 21/09/05
Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 7 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 Al Ittihad win 8-3 on aggregate
HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1
14/09/05 21/09/05
Busan IPark (KOR) 3 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Busan IPark (KOR) 2 Busan IPark win 5-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
14/09/05 21/09/05
Al Ain (UAE) 1 Pas (IRN) 1 Pas (IRN) 3 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Aggregate score 4-4. Al Ain win on away goals
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
Al Ittihad received a bye into the Knockout Stage as defending champions
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Pas Al Salmiya Al Rayyan Al Shorta 6 6 6 6 W 5 3 2 0 D 1 0 1 2 L 0 3 3 4 F 12 8 6 2 A 4 9 7 8 Pts 16 9 7 2 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 16/03/05 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Al Wahda (SYR) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 2 16/03/05 Al Rayyan (QAT)2 Al Salmiya (KUW) 1 HT: 1-0 06/04/05 Al Wahda (SYR) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 HT: 0-1 HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 Al Ain Sepahan Al Shabab Al Wahda
Group B
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 3 0 D 1 2 1 0 L 1 1 2 6 F 13 10 7 5 A 6 6 7 16 Pts 13 11 10 0
09/03/05 Pas (IRN) 2 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Al Salmiya (KUW) 3 Al Shorta (IRQ) 1 15/03/05 Al Shorta (IRQ) 1 Pas (IRN) 1
09/03/05 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Al Wahda (SYR) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0
06/04/05 Al Rayyan (QAT) 2 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0 Pas (IRN) 5 Al Salmiya (KUW) 1 19/04/05 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
20/04/05 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Wahda (SYR) 0 Al Shabab (KSA) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0
20/04/05 Al Salmiya (KUW) 0 Pas (IRN) 1
HT: 0-0 11/05/05 Al Wahda (SYR) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Sepahan (IRN) 1 Al Shabab (KSA) 0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0
11/05/05 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0 Al Salmiya (KUW) 1 Al Rayyan (QAT) 1 Pas (IRN) 2 25/05/05 Al Salmiya (KUW) 2 Al Rayyan (QAT) 0 Pas (IRN) 1 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0 25/05/05 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Sepahan (IRN) 2 Al Shabab (KSA) 3 Al Wahda (SYR) 1 HT: 2-0 HT: 2-0
Group C
P Al Sadd Neftchi Al Kuwait Al Ahli 6 6 6 6 W 4 3 2 2 D 0 0 1 1 L 2 3 3 3 F 8 8 5 8 A 6 7 6 10 Pts 12 9 7 7 Al Ahli Pakhtakor Al Zawraa Al Jaish P 6 6 6 6
Group D W 5 3 2 1 D 0 0 1 1 L 1 3 3 4 F 18 9 6 7 A 5 8 13 14 Pts 15 9 7 4
09/03/05 Neftchi (UZB) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 0 16/03/05 Al Ahli (UAE) 3 Neftchi (UZB) 0 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 06/04/05 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1 Al Ahli (UAE) 0 Neftchi (UZB) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 20/04/05 Al Ahli (UAE) 3 Al Kuwait (KUW) 3 Al Sadd (QAT) 3 Neftchi (UZB) 2 11/05/05 Al Kuwait (KUW) 1 Neftchi (UZB) 0 Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 25/05/05 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Neftchi (UZB) v Al Ahli (UAE)
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 1-2 HT: 1-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 Void*
08/03/05 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Al Ahli (KSA) 2 09/03/05 Al Jaish (SYR) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 16/03/05 Al Ahli (KSA) 3 Al Jaish (SYR) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 2 05/04/05 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Al Jaish (SYR) 5 06/04/05 Al Ahli (KSA) 3 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 20/04/05 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 1 Al Jaish (SYR) 0 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 0 11/05/05 Al Ahli (KSA) 5 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 4 Al Jaish (SYR) 1 24/05/05 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 25/05/05 Al Jaish (SYR) 0 Al Ahli (KSA) 4
*Neftchi were awarded a 3-0 victory after Al Ahli refused to play in Uzbekistan, citing security concerns
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Group E
P Shenzhen Jianlibao Suwon Bluewings Jubilo Iwata Hoang Anh Gia Lai 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 3 0 D 1 1 0 0 L 1 1 3 6 F 9 14 11 1 A 3 3 4 25 Pts 13 13 9 0 Shandong Luneng Yokohama F.Marinos PSM Makassar BEC Tero Sasana
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 6 4 1 0 D 0 0 1 1 L 0 2 4 5 F 15 10 4 3 A 2 4 14 12 Pts 18 12 4 1
09/03/05 Shenzhen (CHN) 1 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 0 HT: 0-0 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 1 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 5 HT: 0-2 16/03/05 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 6 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 Suwon Bluewings 0 (KOR) Shenzhen (CHN) 0 06/04/05 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 0 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 1 Shenzhen (CHN) 5 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 20/04/05 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 2 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 1 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 Shenzhen (CHN) 2 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
09/03/05 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 PSM Makassar (IDN) 1 F.Marinos (JPN) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
16/03/05 PSM Makassar (IDN) 0 F.Marinos (JPN) 2 HT: 0-1 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 HT: 1-0
06/04/05 PSM Makassar (IDN) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 1 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 1 F.Marinos (JPN) 2
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-2
20/04/05 F.Marinos (JPN) 2 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 6 PSM Makassar (IDN) 1
HT: 1-0 HT: 4-0
11/05/05 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 6 Hoang Anh Gia Lai 0 (VIE) HT: 4-0 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 3 Shenzhen (CHN) 0 HT: 0-0 25/05/05 Shenzhen (CHN) 1 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 0 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
11/05/05 PSM Makassar (IDN) 2 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 2 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 2 F.Marinos (JPN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1
25/05/05 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 Shandong Luneng (CHN) 4 HT: 0-2 F.Marinos (JPN) 3 PSM Makassar (IDN) 0 HT: 0-0
Shenzhen Jianlibao finished ahead of Suwon Bluewings due to better record in head-to-head meetings.
Group G
P Busan IPark Krung Thai Bank Persebaya Surabaya Binh Dinh 6 6 6 6 W 6 3 1 1 D 0 0 1 1 L 0 3 4 4 F 25 5 2 2 A 0 9 10 15 Pts 18 9 4 4
09/03/05 Busan IPark (KOR) 8 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 Persebaya (IDN) 1 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 2 16/03/05 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 Persebaya (IDN) 0 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 0 Busan IPark (KOR) 2 06/04/05 Binh Dinh (VIE) 1 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 2 Busan IPark (KOR) 4 Persebaya (IDN) 0 20/04/05 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 0 Binh Dinh (VIE) 1 Persebaya (IDN) 0 Busan IPark (KOR) 3 11/05/05 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 Busan IPark (KOR) 4 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 Persebaya 0 (IDN) 25/05/05 Busan IPark (KOR) 4 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 0 Persebaya (IDN) 1 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0
HT: 3-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0 HT:0-1 HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 0-2 HT: 0-3 HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
Persebaya finished third due to better record in head-to-head meetings against Binh Dinh.
Al Ittihad swept aside Chinas Shandong Luneng 8-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
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Al Ittihad netted an outstanding 20 goals in six knockout stage games during their run to the title in 2005.
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ACL 2004
Ittihad comeback stuns Seongnam
Al Ittihad produced a remarkable 5-0 win over Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in Korea to lift the AFC Champions League title for the first time in 2004.
Al Ittihad won their first AFC Champions League title in what must rank as one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of Asian club football. Trailing 3-1 from the home leg in Jeddah against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, the Tigers scored five unanswered goals in the second leg in front of a full house in Korea to win Asias most prestigious knockout tournament 6-3 on aggregate. Few, except perhaps the hundred or so hopeful Al Ittihad fans who travelled to Korea, would have predicted such an outcome for the six-time Saudi league champions after the first leg in Jeddah, which the K-League champions won 3-1. The home side had dominated that match but fell behind in the 27th minute when Denis Laktionov ran virtually unchallenged into the
Al Ittihad box before firing the ball into the roof of the net. Al Ittihad would draw level a minute later as Redha Tukar met Tchehos corner from the right with a thumping header that flew in at the near post. However, the hosts were unable to make their dominance count and were caught twice on the counter-attack late in the match, first by Kim Do-hoon in the 81st minute and then by Jang Hak-young a minute from time. It put the winners of the 1995 Asian Club Championship very much in the driving seat ahead of the return game in Korea a week later. And Al Ittihads chances of overturning the deficit were further dented when coach Tomaslav Ivic was dismissed after the firstleg defeat and replaced by his inexperienced assistant Dragan Talajic.
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But the Croatians first game in charge would go down in the annals of the games. The Korean side tried to press home their advantage at the Seongnam Sports Complex but after they had weathered an early storm, the visitors took the lead on 27 minutes when Redha Tukar rose high above Park Woo-hyun in the Seongnam defence to head home Tchecos corner from the right. Seongnam responded with their best spell of the game and had some good chances to put themselves back in the driving seat. However, Al Ittihad doubled their lead just before the break as Tchecos lofted free-kick fell to Hamzah Idris who prodded the ball home from close range. The goal came at a crucial time for the Saudi club and self-belief coursed through his side in the opening exchanges of the second half.
Having absorbed Seongnams early pressure, they went ahead on aggregate for the first time with a magnificent goal on the counterattack in the 55th minute. Manaf Abushgeer was released down the left by Idris and his low cross eluded a crowd of players before finding skipper Mohammad Noor who slid in at the far post. Now chasing the game, the Koreans left large gaps at the back and they were cruelly exposed again in the 78th minute as Noor scored the killer fourth goal on yet another lethal counter-attack. The visitors capped an amazing night five minutes into added time as Abushgeer turned defender Kim Sung-il on the left of the Seongnam box before curling the ball past the hapless Seongnam keeper to round off a comeback few had thought possible.

First Leg 24/11/04 Al Ittihad ........1 (Redha Tukar 28) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma. 3 (Denis Laktionov 27, Kim Do-hoon 81, Jang Hak-young 90) Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah Second Leg 01/12/04 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma ....0 Al Ittihad ....5 (Redha Tukar 27, Hamzah Idris 45, Mohammed Noor 55, 78, Manaf Abushgeer 90)
Al Ittihads players rejoice after Manaf Abushgeer (right) completed the scoring in the second leg of the final.
Seongnam Sports Complex, Seongnam Al Ittihad win 6-3 on aggregate
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Final
24/11/04 01/12/04 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 3 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 5 Al Ittihad win 6-3 on aggregate HT: 1-1 HT: 0-2
Semi-finals
20/10/04 27/10/04 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma win 2-0 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
20/10/04 27/10/04
Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 1 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 2 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Al Ittihad win 4-3 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0
Quarter-finals
14/09/04 21/09/04 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 1 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) 4 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors win 5-1 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
14/09/04 21/09/04
Dalian Shide (CHN) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 1 Dalian Shide (CHN) 0 Al Ittihad win 2-1 on aggregate
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
15/09/04 22/09/04
Al Wahda (UAE) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 4 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Pakhtakor win 5-1 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-0
15/09/04 22/09/04
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 6 Sharjah (UAE) 0 Sharjah (UAE) 2 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) 5 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma win 11-2 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-3
Al Ain received a bye into the Knockout Stage as defending champions
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Group Stage results

Group A
P Pakhtakor Zob Ahan Qatar SC 4 4 4 W 2 1 0 D 1 2 3 L 1 1 1 F 3 4 3 A 1 5 4 Pts 7 5 3 HT: 0-0 Al Wahda Al Sadd Al Quwa Al Jawiya
Group B
P 4 4 4 W 1 1 1 D 3 2 1 L 0 1 2 F 3 1 1 A 0 1 4 Pts 6 5 4 HT: 0-0
11/02/04 Zob Ahan (IRN) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 0
11/02/04 Al Wahda (UAE) 0 Al Sadd (QAT) 0
25/02/04 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Qatar SC (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0
25/02/04 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0
HT: 0-0
06/04/04 Zob Ahan (IRN) 3 Qatar SC (QAT) 3
HT: 1-0
06/04/04 Al Wahda 3 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0
HT: 2-0
21/04/04 Qatar SC (QAT) 0 Zob Ahan (IRN) 0
HT: 0-0
20/04/04 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 0 Al Wahda 0
HT: 0-0
05/05/04 Pakhtakor (UZB) 2 Zob Ahan (IRN) 0
HT: 1-0
05/05/04 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Al Wahda 0
HT: 0-0
19/05/04 Qatar SC (QAT) 0 Al Pakhtakor (UZB) 0
HT: 0-0
18/05/04 Al Quwa Al Jawiya (IRQ) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 0
HT: 0-0
Riffa (BHR) withdrew from competition. All results for matches involving Riffa declared null and void.
Al Qadisiya (KUW) expelled from competition. All results for matches involving Al Qadisiya declared null and void.
Group C
P Sharjah Al Hilal Al Shorta 4 4 4 W 3 2 0 D 1 1 0 L 0 1 4 F 10 6 3 A 4 6 9 Pts 10 7 0 HT: 0-0 Al Ittihad Sepahan Al Arabi Neftchi
Group D
P 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 2 0 D 1 1 2 0 L 1 1 2 6 F 14 15 8 5 A 4 10 10 18 Pts 13 13 8 0
10/02/04 Sharjah (UAE) 2 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0
10/02/04 Sepahan (IRN) 4 Neftchi (UZB) 0 25/02/04 Al Hilal (KSA) 0 Sharjah (UAE) 0 HT: 0-0 11/02/04 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 24/02/04 Neftchi (UZB)1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 2 Sepahan (IRN) 2 07/04/04 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Al Ittihad (KSA) 2 20/04/04 Al Ittihad (KSA) 4 Sepahan (IRN) 0 21/04/04 Al Hilal (KSA) 2 Al Shorta (IRQ) 0 HT: 1-0 21/04/04 Al Arabi (KUW) 3 Neftchi (UZB) 2 04/05/04 Al Shorta (IRQ) 2 Sharjah (UAE) 3 HT: 2-2 04/05/04 Neftchi (UZB) 1 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 0 Al Ittihad (KSA) 0 18/05/04 Sepahan (IRN) 3 Al Arabi (KUW) 1 Al Ittihad (KSA) 3 Neftchi (UZB) 0 26/05/04 Neftchi (UZB) 1 Al Arabi (KUW) 2
06/04/04 Al Shorta (IRQ) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 2
HT: 0-1
18/05/04 Sharjah (UAE) 5 Al Hilal (KSA) 2
HT: 1-1
Al Ahli (BHR) withdrew from the competition without playing a game.
Al Ittihad finished ahead of Sepahan due to better record in head-to-head meetings between the two teams
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Group E
P Chonbuk Hyundai Motors Jubilo Iwata Shanghai Shenhua BEC Tero Sasana 6 6 6 6 W 4 4 3 1 D 0 0 0 0 L 2 2 3 5 F 14 14 7 6 A 5 11 9 16 Pts 12 12 9 3 Dalian Shide Krung Thai Bank Hoang Anh Gia Lai PSM Makassar
Group F
P 6 6 6 6 W 5 2 2 2 D 0 1 1 0 L 1 3 3 4 F 11 8 10 9 A 5 11 10 12 Pts 15 7 7 6
11/02/04 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 2 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 4 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 25/02/04 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 3 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 0 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 1 06/04/04 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 2 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 07/04/04 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 4 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 20/04/04 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 4 22/04/04 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 3 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 2 05/05/04 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 0 12/05/04 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 2 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 4
HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1 HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1 HT: 2-2 HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
10/02/04 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 0 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2 11/02/04 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 5 PSM Makassar (IDN) 1 24/02/04 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 25/02/04 PSM Makassar (IDN) 2 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 3 06/04/04 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 07/04/04 PSM Makassar (IDN) 0 Dalian Shide (CHN) 1 21/04/04 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 2 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 2 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2 PSM Makassar (IDN) 1 04/05/04 Dalian Shide (CHN) 3 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 05/05/04 PSM Makassar (IDN) 3 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 0 18/05/04 Krung Thai Bank (THA) 1 PSM Makassar (IDN) 2 Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VIE) 3 Dalian Shide (CHN) 1
19/05/04 Chonbuk Motors (KOR) 0 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 HT: 0-0 BEC Tero Sasana (THA) 2 Jubilo Iwata (JPN) 3 HT: 1-2 Chonbuk Hyundai Motors finished ahead of Jubilo Iwata due to better record in head-to-head meetings between the two teams
Group G
P Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma Yokohama F.Marinos Persik Kediri Binh Dinh 6 6 6 6 W 5 5 1 0 D 0 0 1 1 L 1 1 4 5 F 24 19 5 3 A 4 3 27 17 Pts 15 15 4 1
10/02/04 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 3 11/02/04 Persik Kediri (IDN) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 2 24/02/04 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 4 Persik Kediri (IDN) 0 25/02/04 Seongnam (KOR) 2 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 07/04/04 Binh Dinh (VIE) 2 Persik Kediri (IDN) 2 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 2 21/04/04 Persik Kediri (IDN) 1 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 Seongnam (KOR) 0 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 1 05/05/04 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 6 Binh Dinh (VIE) 0 11/05/04 Seongnam (KOR) 15 Persik Kediri (IDN) 0 19/05/04 Persik Kediri (IDN) 1 Yokohama F.Marinos (JPN) 4 Binh Dinh (VIE) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 3
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma finished ahead of Yokohama F.Marinos on goal difference
Al Ittihad midfielder Redha Tukar (right) celebrates after scoring during his sides run to the final.
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Redha Tukar won the MVP title in 2004 after playing a key role in Al Ittihads victorious campaign.
176
ACL 2002-03
Al Ain claim historic first
Al Ain were crowned the inaugural AFC Champions League winners in 2003 after downing Thailands BEC Tero Sasana 2-1 on aggregate in the final.
Al Ain were crowned winners of the inaugural AFC Champions League after a nail-biting 2-1 aggregate victory over Thailands BEC Tero Sasana in the final. Having won the first leg at home 2-0, thanks to goals by Salem Jawhar and Mohammed Omar, Al Ain hung on despite losing the second leg in Bangkok by a single goal to become the first side from the United Arab Emirates to win an Asian club title. BEC Tero gave their all in the second leg at the Rajamangala Stadium, but a penalty converted by Therdsak Chaiman was not enough to wrench the trophy from Al Ains grasp. Al Ains historic triumph capped a marathon tournament that had stretched to over a year after the SARS epidemic caused their semi-
final against Chinese side Dalian Shide to be postponed for four months. Having entered the competition at the group stage in March 2003, the UAE club had advanced to the last four with a perfect record after victories over Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Al Sadd of Qatar and Esteghlal of Iran at the Tahnon Bin Mohammed Stadium. They met Dalian in the first leg of the semifinals the following month and despite falling behind early, they rallied to score four goals after the break for a 4-2 victory. The return match in China, which did not take place until August, proved to be a cracker. Al Ain had seemed on course for the final when second-half goals by Rodrigo Fabiano and Omar gave them a 6-3 aggregate advantage but Dalian scored three times in seven
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minutes to level the tie at 6-6. However, Farhad Majidi struck three minutes from time to send the Emirati side through. Al Ain dominated the first leg of the final on their home ground but nearly fell behind against BEC Tero when Worrawoot Srimakas header thumped against the crossbar in the first half. They would take the lead though when team skipper Jawhar fired home a fierce rising shot from 25 metres seven minutes before the break. BEC Teros hopes suffered a blow when Witthaya Nubthong was sent off for a second bookable offence and the hosts took full advantage of the extra man as an unmarked Omar turned in their decisive second goal with 16 minutes remaining. Al Ain could have put the tie away early in the second leg when Kadjo Afanou headed a flicked-on corner against the BEC Tero upright after just five minutes.
The Thai side dominated for large periods, with midfielder Therdsak, the MVP of the final, at the heart of his sides best moves. But they failed to breach the Al Ain defence until the hour mark when Datsakorn Thonglao was felled in the box by Humaid Fakher and Therdsak sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. The goal lifted BEC Tero and the home supporters, who raised the roof on 66 minutes when Pherartat Phoruandee rose to meet Therdsaks deep corner to angle a header across the line. BEC Tero joy was short-lived, however, as the referee immediately blew for an infringement, presumably on Al Ain keeper Waleed Salem. In the last 10 minutes, BEC Tero opted for hopeful long balls. But, try as they did, it was not enough and Al Ain held on to claim an historic win.
AFC Champions League 2002-03 Final

First Leg 03/10/03 Al Ain .................2 (Salam Jawhar 40, Mohammed Omar 75) BEC Tero Sasana ...................0 Tahnon bin Mohammed Stadium, Al Ain Second Leg 11/10/03 BEC Tero Sasana ................1 (Therdsak Chaiman 60-pen) Al Ain ..................0
Al Ain laid the foundation for their victory in the final with a 2-0 win in the first leg.
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok Al Ain win 2-1 on aggregate
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Final
03/10/03 11/10/03 Al Ain (UAE) 2 BEC Tero Sesana (THA) 0 BEC Tero Sesana (THA) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 0 Al Ain win 2-1 on aggregate HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
Semi-finals
09/04/03 30/08/03 Al Ain (UAE) 4 Dalian Shide (CHN) 2 Dalian Shide (CHN) 4 Al Ain (UAE) 3 Al Ain win 7-6 on aggregate HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0
09/04/03 22/04/03
BEC Tero Sesana (THA) 3 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 BEC Tero Sesana (THA) 0 BEC Tero Sasana win 3-2 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
Joyous Al Ain fans cheering on their team during the 2003 AFC Champions League final.
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Group Stage results

Group A
P BEC Tero Sasana Taejon Citizen Shanghai Shenhua Kashima Antlers 3 3 3 3 W 2 2 1 0 D 1 0 0 1 L 0 1 2 2 F 6 3 6 5 A 3 3 7 7 Pts 7 6 3 1 HT: 0-2 HT: 1-0 Dalian Shide Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma Shimizu S-Pulse Osotspa
Group B
P 3 3 3 3 W 2 2 1 0 D 1 0 1 0 L 0 1 1 3 F 10 9 8 1 A 2 4 2 20 Pts 7 6 4 0
10/03/03 Shanghai (CHN) 1 Taejon (KOR) 2 Kashima (JPN) 2 BEC Tero (THA) 2
09/03/03 Seongnam (KOR) 6 Osotspa (THA) 0 Shimizu (JPN) 0 Dalian (CHN) 0
HT: 3-0 HT: 0-0
12/03/03 Kashima (JPN) 3 Shanghai (CHN) 4 Taejon (KOR) 0 BEC Tero (THA) 2
HT: 1-3 HT: 0-1
12/03/03 Shimizu (JPN) 1 Seongnam (KOR) 2 Osotspa (THA) 1 Dalian (CHN) 7
HT: 0-0 HT: 1-2
14/03/03 BEC Tero (THA) 2 Shanghai (CHN) 1 Taejon (KOR) 1 Kashima (JPN) 0
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
15/03/03 Dalian (CHN) 3 Seongnam (KOR) 1 Osotspa (THA) 0 Shimizu (JPN) 7
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-2
All games played in Bangkok, THA
All games played in Dalian, CHN
Group C
P Al Ain Al Sadd Esteghlal Al Hilal 3 3 3 3 W 3 1 1 1 D 0 0 0 0 L 0 2 2 2 F 6 4 5 4 A 1 5 7 6 Pts 9 3 3 3 HT: 0-1 HT: 1-0 Pakhtakor Pirouzi Al Talaba Nisa
Group D
P 3 3 3 3 W 3 2 1 0 D 0 0 0 0 L 0 1 2 3 F 7 5 3 1 A 0 2 4 10 Pts 9 6 3 0
09/03/03 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Ain (UAE) 1 Al Hilal (KSA) 0
09/03/03 Nisa (TKM) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Talaba (IRQ) 0 Pirouzi (IRN) 1
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
12/03/03 Al Ain (UAE) 2 Al Sadd (QAT) 0 Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Hilal (KSA) 3
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-1
12/03/03 Al Talaba (IRQ) 3 Nisa (TKM) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Pirouzi (IRN) 0
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
15/03/03 Al Hilal (KSA) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 3 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Al Ain (UAE) 3
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-0
15/03/03 Nisa (TKM) 1 Pirouzi (IRN) 4 Al Talaba (IRQ) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3
HT: 0-1 HT: 0-2
All games played in Al Ain, UAE
All games played in Tashkent, UZB
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Preliminary Round Results West Asia

Fourth Qualifying Round
12/11/02 27/11/02 Al Jaish (SYR) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Jaish (SYR) 1 aet FT: 1-1 Aggregate score 2-2. Al Sadd win 4-1 on penalties HT: 0-1 HT: 1-1 08/10/02 23/10/02
Third Qualifying Round

Al Ittihad (SYR) 1 Al Arabi 1 (KUW) Al Arabi (KUW) 4 Al Ittihad (SYR) 0 Al Arabi win 5-1 on aggregate Al Ahli (UAE) 3 Al Ahli (KSA) 2 Al Ahli (KSA) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) win 5-4 on aggregate Al Ahli Sanaa (YEM) 1 Neftchi (UZB) 2 Neftchi (UZB) 6 Al AhliSanaa (YEM) 0 Neftchi win 8-1 on aggregate Esteghlal (IRN) 2 Al Faisaly (JOR) 0 Al Faisaly (JOR) 0 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Esteghlal win 3-0 on aggregate Al Sadd (QAT) 1 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Al Zawraa (IRQ) 1 Al Sadd (QAT) 2 aet FT: 1-1 Al Sadd win 3-2 on aggregate Al Etehad (QAT) 4 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Etehad (QAT) 0 Pakthakor win 6-4 on aggregate Al Jaish (SYR) v Regar-Tadaz (TJK) Regar-Tadaz (TJK) v Al Jaish (SYR) Regar-Tadaz suspended by AFC. Al Jaish advance HT: 1-1 HT: 2-0
09/10/02 23/10/02 13/11/02 27/11/02 Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Al Ahli (UAE) 0 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Pakthakor win 4-2 on aggregate HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
HT: 2-1 HT: 2-0
09/10/02 23/10/02
HT: 0-2 HT: 2-0
09/10/02 24/10/02 13/11/02 26/11/02 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Neftchi (UZB) 0 Neftchi (UZB) 2 Esteghlal (IRN) 1 Aggregate score 2-2. Esteghlal win on away goals HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-1
09/10/02 25/10/02
HT: 1-1 HT: 1-1
10/10/02 25/10/02 --/--/---/--/-Al Arabi (KUW) v Nisa (TKM) Nisa (TKM) v Al Arabi (KUW) Al Arabi withdrew. Nisa advance
HT: 2-1 HT: 0-0
--/--/---/--/--
Nisa (TKM) received a bye into Fourth Qualifying Round
Second Qualifying Round

10/09/02 25/09/02 Al Ansar (LIB) 1 Al Faisaly (JOR) 0 Al Faisaly (JOR) 3 Al Ansar (LIB) 0 Al Faisaly win 3-1 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 3-0 13/08/02 28/08/02
First Qualifying Round

Al Wihdat (JOR) 3 Al Nejmeh (LIB) 2 Al Nejmeh (LIB) 0 Al Wihdat (JOR) 0 Al Nejmeh win 3-2 on aggregate HT: 1-1 HT: 0-0
11/09/02 24/09/02
Al Ahli (UAE) 2 Al Kuwait (KUW) 0 Al Kuwait (KUW) 3 Al Ahli (UAE) 1 Aggregate score 3-3. Al Ahli (UAE) win on away goals Jashtyk-Ak-Atlyn (KGZ) 0 Al Ahli Sanaa (YEM) 2 Al Ahli Sanaa (YEM) 2 Jashtyk-Ak-Atlyn (KGZ) 0 Al Ahli Sanaa win 4-0 on aggregate
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
11/09/02 25/09/02
HT: 0-1 HT: 2-0
--/--/---/--/--
Al Nasr (OMA) v Al Ansar (LEB) Al Ansar (LEB) v Al Nasr (OMA) Al Nasr withdrew. Al Ansar advance
11/09/02 27/09/02
Pakhtakor (UZB) 3 Al Wihdat (JOR) 0 Al Wihdat (JOR) 3 Pakhtakor (UZB) 1 Pakthakor win 4-3 on aggregate
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
--/--/---/--/--
Al Sadd (QAT) v Kopetdag (TKM Kopetdag (TKM) v Al Sadd (QAT) Kopetdag withdrew.. Al Sadd advance
--/--/---/--/--
Jashtyk-Ak-Atlyn (KGZ) v Al Aqsa (PAL) Al Aqsa (PAL) v Jashtyk-Ak-Atlyn (KGZ) Al Aqsa withdrew. Jashtyk-Ak-Atlyn advance
--/--/---/--/--
Al Ittihad (SYR) v Khudjand (TJK) Khudjand (TJK) v Al Ittihad (SYR) Khudjand suspended by AFC. Al Ittihad advance
Al Jaish (SYR) advance after withdrawal of Bahrain representative. Al Quds (PAL) withdrew
Al Ittihad (SYR), Al Kuwait (KUW) and Kopetdag (TKM) received byes into Second Qualifying Round.
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Preliminary Round Results East Asia

Third Qualifying Round
12/11/02 26/11/02 Churchill Brothers (IND) 1 Osotspa (THA) 1 Osotspa (THA) 6 Churchill Brothers (IND) 3 Osotspa win 7-4 on aggregate South China (HKG) 0 Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) 5 Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) 3 South China (HKG) 1 Shimizu S-Pulse win 8-1 on aggregate Taejon Citizen (KOR) 6 Mohun Bagan (IND) 0 Mohun Bagan(IND) 1 Taejon Citizen (KOR) 2 Taejon Citizen win 8-1 on aggregate Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 3 Geylang United (SIN) 0 Geylang United (SIN) 1 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 2 Shanghai Shenhua win 5-1 on aggregate HT: 0-0 HT: 2-1 06/10/02 23/10/02
Second Qualifying Round

Geylang United (SIN) 3 DPMM 0 (BRU) 0 DPMM (KUW) 0 Geylang United (SIN) 4 Geylang United win 7-0 on aggregate South China (HKG) 2 Home United (SIN) 1 Home United (SIN) 1 South China (HKG) 1 South China win 3-2 on aggregate Petrokimia Putra (IDN) 3 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 1 Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) 5 Petrokimia Putra (IDN) 1 Shanghai Shenhua win 6-4 on aggregate Persita Tangerang (IDN) 0 Osotspa (THA) 1 Osotspa (THA) 0 Persita Tangerang (IDN) 0 Osotspa win 1-0 on aggregate Mohun Bagan (IND) 2 Valencia (MDV) 2 Valencia (MDV) 0 Mohun Bagan (IND) 3 Mohun Bagan win 5-2 on aggregate Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) 7 New Radiant (MDV) 0 New Radiant (MDV) 0 Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) 0 Shimizu S-Pulse win 7-0 on aggregate Monte Carlo (MAC) 1Taejon Citizen (KOR) 5 Taejon Citizen (KOR)3 Monte Carlo (MAC) 0 Taejon Citizen win 8-1 on aggregate Churchill Brothers (IND) 2 Saigon Port (MDV) 0 Saigon Port (MDV) 1 Churchill Brothers (IND) 0 Churchill Brothers win 2-1 on aggregate HT: 1-0 HT: 0-1
12/11/02 27/11/02
HT: 0-2 HT: 0-0
08/10/02 23/10/02
HT: 2-0 HT: 1-0
13/11/02 26/11/02
HT: 4-0 HT: 0-1
08/10/02 23/10/02
HT: 0-0 HT: 3-1
13/11/02 27/11/02
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-2
09/10/02 22/10/02
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
09/10/02 22/10/02
HT: 1-0 HT: 2-2
First Qualifying Round

10/09/02 22/09/02 Air Force (SRI) 1 New Radiant (MDV) 1 New Radiant (MDV) 2 Air Force (SRI) 1 aet FT: 1-1 New Radiant win 3-2 on aggregate Saunders SC (SRI) 0 Mohun Bagan (IND) 2 Mohun Bagan (IND) 5 Saunders SC (SRI) 1 Mohun Bagan win 7-1 on aggregate HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0 09/10/02 23/10/02
HT: 1-0 HT: 0-0
11/09/02 22/09/02
HT: 0-1 HT: 4-1
09/10/02 23/10/02
HT: 1-4 HT: 1-0
Monte Carlo (MAC), DPMM (BRU), Petrokimia Putra (IDN), Home United (SIN), Persita Tangerang (IDN) and Churchil Brothers (IND) received byes into Second Qualifying Round. There were only three Qualifying Rounds in the East Asia zone
11/10/02 25/10/02
HT: 0-0 HT: 0-0
Al Ain celebrating after their 2-0 win over BEC Tero Sasana in the first leg of the final.
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ROLL OF HONOUR
Roll of Honour
AFC Champions League
Year
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002-03
Winners
Al Sadd (QAT) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Gamba Osaka (JPN) Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Ain (UAE)
Runners-Up
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) Zobahan (IRN) Al Ittihad (KSA) Adelaide United (AUS) Sepahan (IRN) Al Karamah (SYR) Al Ain (UAE) Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) BEC Tero Sasana (THA)
AFC Cup
Year
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
Winners
Nasaf (UZB) Al Ittihad (SYR) Al Kuwait (KUW) Muharraq (BHR) Shabab Al Ordun (JOR) Al Faisaly (JOR) Al Faisaly (JOR) Al Jaish (SYR)
Runners-Up
Al Kuwait (KUW) Al Qadisiya (KUW) Al Karamah (SYR) Safa (LIB) Al Faisaly (JOR) Muharraq (BHR) Al Nejmeh (LIB) Al Wahda (SYR)
Asian Super Cup

Year
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
Winners
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Al Hilal (KSA) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) Al Nassr (KSA) Al Hilal (KSA) Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Yokohama Flugels (JPN)
Runners-Up
Al Hilal (KSA) Al Shabab (KSA) Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) Al Ittihad (KSA) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Bellmare Hiratsuka (JPN) Thai Farmers Bank (THA)
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Asian Club Championship

Year
2001-02 2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1972-84 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967
Winners
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Al Hilal (KSA) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Pohang Steelers (KOR) Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Thai Farmers Bank (THA) Thai Farmers Bank (THA) Pas (IRN) Al Hilal (KSA) Esteghlal (IRN) Liaoning (CHN) Al Sadd (QAT) Yomiuri (JPN) Furukawa (JPN) Daewoo Royals (KOR) NO COMPETITION Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR) Taj Club (IRN) Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR) NO COMPETITION Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR)
Runners-Up
Anyang LG Cheetahs (KOR) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) Jubilo Iwata (JPN) Esteghlal (IRN) Dalian Wanda (CHN) Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) Al Nassr (KSA) Al Arabi (QAT) Oman Club (OMN) Al Shabab (KSA) Esteghlal (IRN) Liaoning (CHN) Nissan (JPN) Al Rasheed (IRQ) Al Hilal (KSA) Al Hilal (KSA) Al Ahli (KSA)
Al Shorta (IRQ) Hapoel Tel Aviv (ISR) Yangzee (KOR)
Selangor (MAS)
Asian Cup Winners Cup

Year
2001-02 2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
Winners
Al Hilal (KSA) Al Shabab (KSA) Shimizu S-Pulse (JPN) Al Ittihad (KSA) Al Nassr (KSA) Al Hilal (KSA) Bellmare Hiratsuka (JPN) Yokohama Flugels (JPN) Al Qadisiya (KSA) Yokohama Marinos (JPN) Nissan (JPN) Pirouzi (IRN)
Runners-Up
Chonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) Dalian Shide (CHN) Al Zawra'a (IRQ) Chunnam Dragons (KOR) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Nagoya Grampus Eight (JPN) Al Talaba (IRQ) Al Shaab (UAE) South China (HKG) Pirouzi (IRN) Al Nassr (KSA) Al Muharraq (BHR)
188
MEDIA INFORMATION
Media information
ACCREDITATION
Local Media
Home Match Away Match
1. Please visit the AFC Media 1. Please visit the AFC Media Channel to download the Channel to download the accreditation card application accreditation card application form form 2. Once you fill out the form, 2. Once you fill out the form, please submit to the club please submit to your home (attention to team media club media officer officer) Accreditation card
* contact information is available on the AFC Media Channel
3. You shall be able to pick 3. You shall be able to pick up your AD card at media up your AD card at media reception desk on match day reception desk of the hosting clubs venue on match day
* If you need to pick up your AD card before match day, please consult to your home club team media officer.
International Media
1. Please visit the AFC Media Channel to download the accreditation card application form Accreditation card 2. Once you fill out the form, please submit the form to the host club team media officer.
* contact information is available on the AFC Media Channel
3. You shall be able to pick up your AD card at media reception desk on match day
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MEDIA FACILITIES
1. Reception Desk Media Representatives may pick up their accreditations, bibs, and acquire other necessary information. 2 Media Tribune (Written Press Positions) The Hosting Club reserve covered seats in the central area of the main stands with an unobstructed view of the entire pitch for the written press. Media Tribune shall provide a working condition for written press and TV/Radio Commentators if necessary. The Media Tribune is equipped with chairs, desk, lighting power supply, internet lines (or Wi-Fi) and if requested, necessary number of telephone lines at the expense of the media. 3. Press Conference Room The Press Conference Room shall be utilized for both Pre-Match Press Conference and Post- Match Press Conference. (*please note that pre-match press conference can be held at a team hotel or other designated venue based on a mutual agreement of the two clubs) The Press Conference Room should be equipped with required number of seats, a proper sound system, lighting and raised platform (especially for TV cameras). If you have a specific request for a media facility at Press Conference Room, please contact the team media officer of hosting club. 4. Media Working Area A Media Working Area, where the media may work before and after the Official Training Sessions held the day before the match, and also before and after the match, shall be provided within the access control area in the stadium, or in an adjacent area with controlled access. The Media Working Area is equipped with required number of desks&chairs, lighting, air conditioner, power supply, internet lines, dedicated telephone lines based on medias request (at the medias own cost), fax machine, copy machine, printer, pigeon holes, TV monitors and rest rooms (for men and women). 5. Mixed Zone The Mixed Zone is set up in an easily accessible area unaffected by weather or surrounding noise, between the Team dressing rooms and the Team bus area. At the Mixed Zone, there would be partitions which will separate the flows between teams and media. The entire Mixed Zone shall be brightly lit and power supply will be provided in the TV interview area 6. Television and Radio Commentary Positions The Hosting Club shall provide the number of TV and radio commentary positions requested by WSG. In principle, it must be located on the same side as the main camera and each commentary position shall have 3 seats, with ample power capacity and supply, telephone line, internet access (either Ethernet 10/100, RJ45, minimum of 512 kbps, DHCP, non-blocked, all ports open or WLAN), TV monitor and etc. Details can be communicated through WSG.
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7. Television Studio Television Studios are set up within the stadium premises for television broadcasting. Television Studio is usually set up in the upper area of the stands with a view of the pitch, in accordance with AFC/WSGs requirements. 8. OB Van Area The Hosting Club provides a large parking space to be used as the OB (Outside Broadcast) van area by the Host Broadcaster. The OB Van area will be able to accommodate OB vans, tender trucks, generators, satellite uplink vehicles, graphic vans, and other vehicles in this area. This area shall be clean, and shall have a hard enough surface to park large vehicles. Also this area shall be fenced off so that spectators will not be allowed access, and shall be security controlled 24 hours a day. Lighting of 100lx shall be provided in order to allow the media in this area to work at night if necessary. Back up power source must also be provided. Details are to be communicated by WSG.
ENG GUIDELINES
World Sport Group (WSG) is the sole owner of all television rights relating to AFC Champions League. All television crews must be accredited before being allowed entry to any AFC Champions League matches. Please follow the instructions of the event organizer and AFC/WSG officials present at the stadium.
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Only one camera per organization will be allowed into the stadium. News coverage of a particular days events may be no longer than two minutes. Sports Anthology series and magazine shows must clear rights directly with WSG/ World Sport Television (WSTV). ENG crews are limited to a maximum of one cameraman, one producer and one assistant. Any other member of the ENG crew (presenters. Etc.), should watch the match from the press box when they are not actively involved in the shoot. Accredited crews must pick up Media Identity Bibs at the media center or stadium entrance well in advance. Crews will be asked to exchange their journalist ID cards or accreditation cards for bibs. Cards will be returned to crews when they return the bib. Media Identity Bibs will allow ENG crews pitch-side access, but they must be worn. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the stadium. Team lists will be made available 45 minutes before kick-off in the media center. Prior to kick-off ENG crews may shoot the line-ups of the teams from the near touchline, but please stay off the field of play. Crews will not be allowed to shoot from behind the far touchlines advertising boards. Once the game starts you must shoot from behind either goal. Crews are required to stand behind advertising boards and will not be allowed to change sides until half-time, the end of regulation time, or the start of extra time. When changing ends, crews should pass along the far side of the pitch, behind the advertising boards. Under no circumstances will crews be allowed to shoot from either touchline during the match. Only television cameras tied into the live feed will be allowed to shoot the match from the spectator stands at a specifically assigned location. No other television cameras are allowed in the spectator stands. ENG crews may not go on to the field of play to interview players after the match. Only the host broadcaster and broadcasters using the flash interview facility (by arrangement with WSTV Broadcasting Service Manager) may interview a selected player(s) at a flash interview zone after the end of the match. ENG crews may interview players in the designated Mixed Zone only. The coaches of the two teams will attend the post match press conference that will commence immediately after the match. Crews are invited to attend. At the post-match press conference all cameras must stand near the back of the room and allow journalists to sit in the front. Anyone who does not follow these rules will be escorted out from the stadium and may have their accreditation taken away for further matches of this competition in the future. If you are not sure of where you should not shoot, please contact Local Media Officer or WSTV Broadcasting Services Manager on site. Thank you for your co-operation.
194
PHOTOGRAPHERS GUIDELINES
All photographers must be accredited before being allowed entry to any AFC Champions League matches and entry to the Stadium and/or facility is subject to compliance with the Photographers guidelines. Please follow the instructions of the event organizer and AFC official present at the stadium. All photographers requiring access to the event must complete the necessary application procedures to clear your request. The application form can be downloaded from the AFC Media Channel after log-in. Admission to the pitch side will commence at 120 minutes before kickoff. Accredited photographers must pick up Media Identity Bibs at the media center/reception or stadium entrance. Photographers may be asked to exchange their journalist ID cards or accreditation cards for bibs. Cards will be returned when they return the bib. Photographers may only work in the zones reserved for them (and not in the zones reserved for television cameras), unless expressly permitted by officials. Access onto the field of play is not permitted at any time, including before and after the match. Neither may they enter the team dressing rooms at any time, even if invited to do
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so by player or team officials. Failure to respect this rule may lead to withdrawal of the Photographers accreditation for the remainder of the competition. Approximately 15 minutes before each match and as instructed by an official, photographers come to the centre of the touch line where the teams will line-up for the team group photographing; however, you must not enter the field of play. Immediately after the coin toss, photographers shall disperse to their respective working positions and not stop to take pictures of the team officials or players on the bench. Once the game starts you must shoot from behind either goal. Photographers are required to stand behind advertising boards and will not be allowed to change sides until halftime, the end of regulation time, or the start of extra time as instructed by Local Media Officer. In addition, when it is possible to change the side, photographers should pass along the far side of the pitch, behind the advertising boards. Under no circumstances will photographers be allowed to shoot from either touchline during the match. No other accredited photographers are allowed in the spectator stands. At the end of each half, Photographers shall remain behind their respective goal line till players have exited from the field. After the match, you may return to the touchline to cover awards presentation (if necessary, but you must not enter the field of play. The coaches of the two teams will attend a press conference that will commence immediately after the match. Official Photographers are invited to attend only unless Local Media Officer allows accredited photographers into the press conference room. At the press conference room, photographers must stand near the back of the room not to interrupt TV camera angles and journalists view to head table. The Official Photographer may work at a position designated by Local Media Officer, but should not move during the game Anyone who does not follow these rules will be escorted out from the stadium and may have their accreditation taken away for further matches at AFC Champions League matches. If you are not sure of where you should shoot please contact Local Media Officer on site. Thank you for your co-operation.
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USEFUL CONTACTS
Useful Contacts
ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION
AFC House, Jalan 1/155B, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel: +60 3 8994 3388 (Hunting Line) Fax - +603-8994-4970 E-mail: media@the-afc.com Website: www.the-afc.com
Member Associations
AUSTRALIA
CHINA
Football Federation Australia (FFA) Locked bag A4071, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia Tel: +61 2 8020 4000 Fax: +61 2 8020 4100 E-mail: info@footballaustralia.com.au Website: www.footballaustralia.com.au
Chinese Football Association (CFA) Building A, Dongjiudasha, Xizhaosi Road, Chongwen District, Beijing 100061, China PR Tel: +86 10 5929 1031 Fax: +86 10 5929 0309 E-mail: leechen3000@yahoo.com.cn Website: www.fa.org.cn (Chinese only)
IRAN
IR Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) No. 4, Third St, Seoul Ave, Tehran 19958-73591, Iran Tel: +98 21 8821 3308 Fax: +98 21 8821 3302 E-mail: international@ffiri.ir Website: www.ffiri.ir
JAPAN
Japan Football Association (JFA) JFA House, Football Ave, Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo 113-8311, Japan Tel: +81 3 3830 2004 Fax: +81 3 3830 2005 E-mail: inter_national@info.jfa.jp Website: www.jfa.or.jp
KOREA REPUBLIC
Korea Football Association (KFA) 1-131 Sinmunno, 2-ga, Jongno-Gu, Seoul 110-062, Korea Republic Tel: +82 2 737 7538 Fax: +82 2 739 4093 / +82 2 735 2755 E-mail: kfainfo@kfa.or.kr Website: www.kfa.or.kr
QATAR
Qatar Football Association (QFA) 7th Floor, QNOC Tower, PO Box 5333, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 494 4411 Fax: +974 494 4414 E-mail: info@qfa.com.qa Website: www.qfa.com.qa
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Al Mather Quarter, Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Street, PO Box 5844, Riyadh 11432, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 1 482 2240 Fax: +966 1 482 1215 E-mail: info@football-saudi.com Website: www.thesaff.com.sa
THAILAND
Football Association of Thailand (FAT) Supachalasai National Stadium, Gate 3, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: +66 2 216 4691 Fax: +66 2 215 4494 E-mail: secretariat@fat.or.th Website: www.fat.or.th
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Member Associations
UZBEKISTAN
UAE
Uzbekistan Football Federation (UFF) Massiv Almazar, Furkat Street 15/1, Tashkent 700 003, Uzbekistan Tel: +998 71 244 1684 Fax: +998 71 244 1683 E-mail: info@the-uff.com Website: www.the-uff.com
United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAEFA) P.O. Box 916, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 444 5600 Fax: +971 2 444 8558 E-mail: info@uaefa.ae Website: www.uaefa.ae
For more information relating to the commercial and broadcast rights of the AFC Champions League, please contact any of the offices below. Marketing enquiries: Simon Thompson s.thompson@worldsportgroup.com.hk Tel: +852 23308292 Broadcast enquiries: Mayank Atreya m.atreya@worldsportgroup.com.sg Tel: +65 68262688 SINGAPORE 8 Shenton Way, #30-01 Temasek Tower, Singapore 068811 Tel: +65 6826 2688 Fax: +65 6826 2680 HONG KONG Suite 2505, 25F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road,Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR, China Tel: +852 2330 8292 Fax: +852 2572 9187 BEIRUT President Elias Sarkis Avenue, Parktower Suites Bifurcation, Bloc B, 2nd Floor, Ashrafieh, Lebanon Tel: +961 1 210 100 Fax: +961 1 210 200
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AFC Club Competitions Dept: Shahin Rahmani Editor: Colin Pereira Design & Page Layouts: Yuvanesh Henry Khor Kok Hean Photos: World Sport Group FIFA/Getty Images Galvin Tan Contributors: Alisher Nikimbaev, Avazbek Berdikulov, Lee Seunghun, Masahiro Sugiyama. AFC Marketing Dept: Yong Chul Yun

Acl 2012

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OFFICIAL GUIDE

Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE)

Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Adelaide United (AUS)

Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)

Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Brisbane Roar (AUS)

Beijing Guoan (CHN)

Tianjin Teda (CHN)

Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR)

Buriram United (THA)

Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)

Nagoya Grampus (JPN)

Central Coast Mariners (AUS)

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)

Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

AFC Acting President FIFA Executive Committee member

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Group Stage Schedule

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Facts & Stats

All kick-off times are local and subject to change

Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Sadd 1-3

Cup Runners-up Lost to Al Gharafa 2-1 in final

Cup Winners Beat Umm Salal 1-0 in final

Cup Winners Beat Al Gharafa 2-1 aet in final

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Coach Diego Aguirre

Star Players Fabio Cesar

Young star Fahed Khalfan

Facts & Stats

Cup 1st round Lost to Bani Yas 3-1

Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Al Wahda 4-2 on penalties after 0-0 draw

Cup Semi-finals Lost to Al Shabab 3-0 on penalties after 0-0 draw

Cup Winners Beat Al Wahda 4-0 in final

2010 Group stage A

2011 Group stage A

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Coach Franky Vercauteren

Star Players Bare

Young star Ali Mabkhout

Facts & Stats

Cup Round of 16 Lost to Mashal 3-2 on aggregate

Cup Semi-finals Lost to Bunyodkor 5-0 on aggregate

Cup Round of 16 Lost to Bunyodkor 3-2 on aggregate

Cup Runners-up Lost to Pakhtakor 3-1 in final

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Coach Ruziqul Berdiev

Star Players Andrejs Pereplotkins

Young star Sherzod Azamov

Facts & Stats

Cup Winners Beat Pegah 3-1 on aggregate in final

Cup 2nd round Lost 5-4 to Steel Azin

Cup Semi-finals Lost 2-1 to Malavan

2009 - Group stage H

2011 - Group stage A

3-0 2-1 0-0

AFC Champions League: Official Media Guide 2012

Coach Parviz Mazloumi

Star Players Seyed Mehdi Rahmati

Young star Esmaeil Sharifat

Facts & Stats

Cup Quarter-finals Lost to Ettifaq 2-1