June 30 – Japanese and South Korean clubs are dominating the East Zone group stages of the Asian Champions League as they near the half way stage.
With the withdrawal of Australia’s clubs due to covid quarantine issues in the country, and Chinese club participation in disarray, the Japanese and South Koreans have prospered in the centralised groups being hosted in Thailand and Uzbekistan.
Four Japanese teams top their groups while South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, the current Asian Champions League champions, head their group.
Ulsan Hyundai have won both their opening matches in Group F including overcoming second placed Viettel FC 1-0.
Japan’s Nagoya Grampus have similarly had a flying start winning all three of their matches to date in Group G including an emphatic 3-0 win over second placed FC Pohang Steelers from South Korea.
In Group H Gamba Osaka are ahead on goal difference from Jeonbok Hyundai after the two group contenders drew their opening match against each other.
Japan’s Kawaski Frontale head Daegu FC in Group I having beaten then in a tight 3-2 encounter. The anticipated group challenge from China’s Beijing FC has failed to materialise with the Chinese taking a 7-0 beating at the hands of Frontale.
In Group J Japan’s Cerezon Osaka lead the group with the main challenge looking to from Hong Kong’s Kitchee. Former Champions League giants Guangzhou have still to win a point.
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