The group stages of the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2017 kicked off on Tuesday 21 February, and both Kashima Antlers and Urawa Reds got off to an excellent start in the competition.

Entering the competition as the J.League champions, Kashima defeated Ulsan Hyundai of Korea 2-0 at home with goals from forwards KANAZAKI Mu and SUZUKI Yuma in the second half to secure their first win.

Also the winners of FUJI XEROX SUPER CUP held on Saturday 18, Kashima started the match changing six members. While the J. League club created their early chances with combined efforts from midfielder NAKAMURA Atsutaka and Kanazaki, and defender YAMAMOTO Shuto attempted a shot at goal off a corner, none of them found the target and gradually the momentum shifted towards the Korean counterparts who threatened the former champions with excellent work-rate in the beginning of the match.

Securing a place in Group E by clinching the playoffs, Ulsan pressured the opponents in the middle, led by midfielder JEONG Jae-yong, and focused their attacks from the right flank. In the 33rd minute, from the free kick earned by defender KIM Chi-Gon, the excellent delivery found Jeong, but his header was denied by the goal post after a superb save from new keeper KWOUN Sun-Tae transferred from Jeonbuk Hyundai during the off season.

On the other hand, Kashima hit on the swift counter in the 35th minute. Suzuki, LEANDRO, and then Kanazaki all attempted a shot at goal, but were unable to find the target. Both sides entered the break scoreless.

In the beginning of the second half, K-League midfielder HAN Seung-gyu made a brilliant effort from long-range, but once again denied by the woodworks. Then, Kashima gradually started to control the match by dominating possession, and in the 60th minute Kanazaki fired a shot and threatened the opposing goal. The much-awaited opener came in after 63 minutes off the corner earned by LEO SILVA, whose relentless work-rate in midfield had been helping the team throughout the match. The delivery from the edge of the pitch found Kanazaki, who headed home the opener for the Japanese side.

As later commented by Japanese coach ISHII Masataka "we needed to create more chances from both flanks", Kashima subbed in midfielders DOI Shoma and ENDO Yasushi, and they combined their defensive efforts in the middle and created a scoring chance in the 75th minute. From a superb ball fed by Suzuki, Endo surged inside the penalty area and fired a shot, but was unable to claim the second for the J. League champions.

Kashima finally added insurance in the 82nd minute as Kanazaki chipped in a stunning lobbed pass to Suzuki who exploited the space behind the defensive line and in the penalty area and calmly netted a right-footer.

Midfielder NAGAKI Ryoto commented after the game, “We are looking to win the ACL. I am satisfied we won the important first match.”

Match Details (Japanese version only)

Other match in the Group E saw Brisbane Roar (Australia) draw 0-0 against Muangthong United (Thailand). As a result, Kashima stood in first place, followed by Brisbane and Muangthong tied for the second and Ulsan sitting at the bottom of the group.

Urawa tally four goals in the second half

Urawa started their ACL campaign with away game against 2014 champions Western Sydney Wanderers and posted an emphatic win tallying four goals in the second half.

The first half ended scoreless as Urawa struggled to create chances facing excellent defensive block from the Australian side, but sought to break their defence by effectively combining passes in the second.

In the 56th minute, forward LEE Tadanari surged up the pitch with the ball and fed KOROKI Shinzo waiting in front of the goal, where he calmly netted the opener for the Japanese side. Then two minutes later, Lee scored the second after midfielder AOKI Takuya combined with Koroki who found the onrushing scorer in front of the goal.

Adding more to their goal tally, in the 68th minute defender MAKINO Tomoaki was the quickest to react to the loose ball off the corner and slotted a right-footer into the net. The last goal for the J. League club came in the 86th minute as they hit on the break and substitute YAJIMA Shinya scored the fourth combining with RAFAEL SILVA and receiving the final pass.

Urawa became top of the group on goal difference as the second-placed FC Seoul beat Shanghai SIPG 1-0, while Western Sydney fell to the bottom after the first match.

Match Details (Japanese version only)

On Wednesday 22 February, the second day of the group stage will see Kawasaki Frontale welcome Suwon Samsung (Korea) at home and Gamba Osaka face Adelaide United (Australia) in away game.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

ISHII Masataka, Coach (Kashima Antlers)
In the ACL, the first match is particularly important. I knew it would be a tough match and we struggled in the first half against the Korean side who had pace and physical strength. But we got used their playing style in the second half, and we were able to show our brand of football as we gained better possession of the ball. I am content with the overall result winning the match 2-0. We changed the starting members from the previous match, but we were still able to consistently demonstrate our style of football. I believe the team is in excellent form and these wins have given us a wonderful start ahead of the J. League new season.

FW KANAZAKI Mu (Kashima Antlers)
I am simply happy that we won the match. In regards to the goal I scored, the delivery was excellent and all I had to do was to head it home. But more than my goal, it was important that we won the first match of the ACL campaign and this has given us a excellent start for the team. Despite changing the starting members, our style of football didn’t change and we were able to consistently demonstrate it as the team.

FW SUZUKI Yuma (Kashima Antlers)
I always know where Kanazaki is playing on the pitch and this was also true when I scored the goal. I think there is a mutual understanding with him on the pitch. I have to thank him for the excellent pass he has provided me. However, I believe I could have scored two more goals in addition to scoring in the first half. Those are some of the areas I need to work on.

KIM Do-Hoon, Coach (Ulsan Hyundai)
I would like to congratulate Kashima and their players for winning the match. However, our players also fought hard and gave their best efforts until the very end. And, until the moment when we conceded the goal, we did not allow Kashima to play to their strength – attacking from the flanks. Despite the result, I believe my players gained confidence after the match. Winning is definitely important. But, being able to demonstrate our brand of football is more significant. I do not see a real problem if we win the next match and, therefore, we will be making the best preparation possible for the subsequent game.

Group G
22 February 2017 (Wed.)　19:00 Kick-off (TBC)
Todoroki Athletics Stadium
Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)　vs　Suwon Samsung Bluewings (Korea)

Group H
22 February 2017 (Wed.)　19:30 Kick-off (TBC)＜Locall Time＞
Hindmarsh Stadium
Adelaide United (Australia)　vs　Gamba Osala (Japan)

2017/1/24(Tue.)～2017/11/25(Sat.)
Tournament Information