Korean clubs start Champions League as underdogs
There was once a time when football fans in Korea could look ahead to the AFC Champions League Elite with the expectation that a K League team would lift the trophy — or at least that one or two Korean clubs would challenge deep into the competition. Still, the Land of the Morning Calm has 12 Asian wins with Saudi Arabia and Japan next with eight each. But few believe 12 will become 13. There is…
Football fans in Korea once anticipated that a K League club would triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite, but that era has faded. Korea now holds only 12 Asian victories, trailing Saudi Arabia and Japan, who each boast eight. Yet, optimism remains that Pohang Steelers, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, or Daejeon Hana Citizen could make a splash.
However, such a feat would be extraordinary. The K League's dominance has waned, and its clubs now rank lower. The inaugural round of this year's competition kicks off on Tuesday. Pohang, a three-time champion, will travel to China to take on Beijing Guoan. Jeonbuk, a two-time victor, welcomes Kashiwa Reysol from Japan, while Daejeon faces Kyoto Sanga, another Japanese side.
The 32 teams are split into two regional tables, one in the East and one in the West. The top eight from each region progress to the knockout stage, with the quarter-finals, semifinals, and final to follow.
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- Korean clubs start Champions League as underdogs koreatimes.co.kr
