The draw for the Group Stage of the 2012 AFC Champions League took place at AFC House on Tuesday, yesterday evening Australian time, with Asia’s premier club tournament set to set new standards next year thanks to a boost in prize money and a burgeoning interest from fans and media.
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FC Tokyo qualified for the 2012 AFC Champions League after coming back from a goal down to beat Kyoto Sanga 4-2 to win the Emperor’s Cup on Sunday.
The final of the prestigious tournament, opened to Japan’s professional and amateur leagues, featured two clubs from the J.League second division for the first time.
FC Tokyo won the 2011 second division title to return to the top flight next season, while Kyoto finished in seventh place to miss promotion.
FC Tokyo’s first ever Emperor’s Cup triumph sees them join Kashiwa Reysol, Nagoya Grampus …
Nadir Belhadj converted the winning penalty as Al Sadd lifted the 2011 AFC Champions League trophy following a dramatic final with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Korea.
The final was played in front of over 41,000 spectators in Korea with Al Sadd scoring a victory only after extra time was over and penalties where the deciding factor.
Jeonbuk had the first attempt to get into the lead just minutes into the game when Eninho sent through a dipping shot from over 30 meters out only to be stopped by man of the match …
Congratulations to Al Sadd for winning the 2011 AFC Asian Champions League.
After leading 2 – 1 in the second half of regular time, Jeonbuk equalised with minutes remaining. Extra time was dominated by Jeonbuk who had many chances including hits to the woodwork. However Al Sadd keeper played a great final and was outstanding during the penalty shout out which Al Sadd won 4 – 2.
Congratulations Al Sadd once again.
Beginning in late February and ending in early November every year the Asian Champions League is fast becoming a premier event for every country associated with the Asian Confederation. Not only are the games becoming more and more competitive each year, but the standard of play and what is at stake is also fast improving.
Each year all teams enter the competition with high expectation and each year we are left with two teams in the final to battle it out for naming honours. This year, we have a Korean team …
A two one victory for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors sees them reach the Final of the 2011 AFC Champions League
Jeonbuk came into the second leg leading 3-2, Eninho built on Jeonbuk’s advantage when he made it 4 – 2 on aggregate midway through the first-half. The Brazilian then put it beyond reach with a great goal direct from a corner before fellow Brazilian Wendel pulled one back for Al Ittihad with 20 minutes to go.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors took the upper hand in the 2011 AFC Champions League semi-final with Al Ittihad.
Jeonbuk made a fantastic start when they took the lead with only a minute played.
Eninho drilled a corner from the left low towards the near post that took a deflection before hitting the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Hazazi climbed between two defenders and headed Sultan Al Numare’s cross beating keeper Kim Min-sik.
Al Ittihad then took the lead for the first time in the match when Jeonbuk failed to deal with forward run …