The AFC Champions League, also known as the Asian Cup C1, is the premier football tournament for clubs across Asia. It’s akin to the UEFA Champions League and features teams that have secured top positions in their respective national leagues. For more insights about this exciting competition, check out the article below from Xoilac!
What is the AFC Champions League?
The AFC Champions League, commonly referred to as the Asian Cup or ACL, is an annual tournament that showcases the top-performing clubs from national leagues across Asia. This prestigious competition is considered the pinnacle of club football in the region.
The inaugural season kicked off in 1967 under the name Asian Club Championship. Its structure mirrors that of other major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and those organized by CONCACAF, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC.
Each year, around 40 teams compete in the group stage of the ACL. Clubs from nations with less developed football infrastructures must first navigate through qualifying rounds. Since 2009, the reigning champions no longer receive an automatic entry into the next season; they must earn their spot by competing in the group stages just like every other team.
The current champion of the AFC Champions League earns a coveted place in the FIFA Club World Cup, which is the highest level of club football globally. Notably, Al Hilal and Pohang Steelers are recognized as the most successful teams in the history of the ACL.
The Evolution of the AFC Champions League
The tournament kicked off for the first time in 1967 and has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years. Here’s a captivating look at the evolution of this event that everyone should keep an eye on!
The predecessor of the Asian Champions Cup
The Asian Club Championship served as the predecessor to the AFC Champions League. Initially, this tournament featured a knockout format but gradually evolved into a group stage followed by knockout rounds, where the top teams from the groups would advance to the next phase.
In the early years of the ACL, Israeli clubs dominated the competition, with teams from Israel frequently taking home the trophy. This was partly due to Arab teams refusing to compete against clubs from Israel.
For instance, in 1970, when Hapoel reached the finals, Al Shorta from Iraq declined to face Maccabi Tel Aviv. By 1972, the AFC had to cancel the tournament because two Arab teams refused to play against Israeli teams. Consequently, Israel was barred from participating in the Asian Cup, leading to a temporary halt of the tournament.
Restart
The Asian Champions Cup made its debut in 1985, although it didn’t include any clubs from Israel at that time. Fast forward to 1990, and the introduction of the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup provided a platform for national champions to compete.
In 1995, the Asian Super Cup was established, bringing together the champions of both the Asian Club Championship and the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup. These two tournaments eventually merged in 2002, and they continue to thrive today!
The period from 2002 to the present
Urawa Red Diamonds are the reigning champions of the tournament!
The inaugural season following the merger of the Asian Club Championship and the Asian Cup Winners Cup took place in 2022. This revamped competition attracted eight clubs, with Al Ain from the UAE claiming the title as the first champion.
In 2004, the tournament featured a total of 29 teams, including 28 clubs divided into seven groups, while one team received an automatic qualification. However, the Asian Champions League faced several issues regarding professionalism, which negatively impacted its reputation and popularity.
By 2009, the AFC Champions League expanded to include 32 participating teams, with spots in the group stage determined by AFC rankings. Fast forward to 2021, and the number of clubs competing surged to 40, with Vietnam consistently securing a spot in the group stage.
The club with the most Asian Champions Cup titles
Al Hilal: The Most Successful Club in the AFC Champions League
Since its inception, the AFC Champions League has seen numerous clubs claim the prestigious title. However, Al Hilal stands out as the record-holder with an impressive four championships (1991, 1999/2000, 2019, and 2021) along with five runner-up finishes. This club also boasts the best performance in their national league.
In their most recent triumph, Al Hilal showcased their prowess by defeating South Korea’s Pohang Steelers with a score of 2-0. The goals came from players Al Dawsari and Marega. Following closely behind in the championship tally is Pohang Steelers, who have won the title three times (1996/1997, 1997/1998, and 2009).
Additionally, Pohang has finished as runners-up on four occasions, with their last victory occurring 13 years ago. In 2009, they clinched the title by overcoming Al Ittihad 2-1 in the final held at Tokyo National Stadium in Japan.
Other notable clubs with multiple AFC Champions League titles include:
- Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) with four titles (2007, 2017, and 2023).
- Esteghlal (Iran) with two titles (1970 and 1990/1991).
- Seongnam FC (South Korea) with two titles (1995 and 2010).
- Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) with two titles (2004 and 2005).
- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) with two titles (2006 and 2016).
- Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) with two titles (2012 and 2020).
- Guangzhou Evergrande (China) with two titles (2013 and 2015).
- Al-Sadd (Qatar) with two titles (1988/1989 and 2011).
Vietnamese clubs also frequently participate in this continental competition, with Hoàng Anh Gia Lai and Becamex Bình Dương being prominent examples. However, due to significant disparities in skill and physicality, Vietnamese teams have yet to make a deep run in the tournament.
Conclusion
Here’s the scoop on the AFC Champions League that xoi lac tv wants to share with everyone! Currently, the reigning champions are Urawa Red Diamonds. Mark your calendars for the exciting final match happening on May 25th, where Al Ain will face off against Marinos. Be sure to tune in and see which club will claim the coveted title next!
