JDT and Vissel Kobe March into the Quarter-Finals as the West Awaits
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The lights of the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium shone brightest this week as the East Region of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) 2025/26 delivered a masterclass in knockout football. While the East celebrates its champions, the West remains frozen in a state of high-stakes anticipation.
In a result that has sent shockwaves across Southeast Asian football, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) has officially secured its place in the Quarter-finals.
After a commanding 3-1 victory in the first leg, JDT traveled to Japan to face Sanfrecce Hiroshima for the decisive return match. It was a night of defensive grit and tactical discipline for the Malaysian champions. Despite a late 90th-minute penalty from Hiroshima’s Kosuke Kinoshita that gave the hosts a 1-0 win on the night, JDT held firm.
With a 3-2 aggregate victory, JDT makes history as the first Malaysian club to reach the final eight of the newly revamped Elite tier.
Japan’s Vissel Kobe joined them in the next round after a professional display against FC Seoul. After winning the first leg 1-0, Kobe found themselves momentarily stunned when Seoul’s Patryk Klimala scored early in the second leg.
However, the quality of the Japanese champions shone through. Goals from Yuya Osako and Yosuke Ideguchi turned the tide, securing a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-1 aggregate triumph. Kobe looks every bit the title contender as they prepare for the trip to Saudi Arabia.
While the East Region bracket is now set with JDT, Vissel Kobe, Machida Zelvia, and Buriram United advancing, the West Region remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The AFC has officially postponed both legs of the West Region Round of 16 due to the volatile regional situation in the Middle East. Heavyweights like Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Duhail are currently waiting for a revised schedule.
Current Situation: No new dates have been confirmed for the West Region matches. The AFC continues to monitor safety protocols, but the clock is ticking.
Despite the delay in the West, the footballing world is looking toward March 25, 2026. This is the date of the Final Draw, where the bracket for the centralized "Final Stage" in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will be determined.
For the first time, the draw will feature "placeholders" for the West Region teams, but the excitement for the East's qualified teams is palpable. JDT and Buriram United carry the hopes of Southeast Asia into a draw that could see them face the best of Japan or the eventual victors of the West.