Kuala Lumpur: The 2019 AFC Champions League Knockout Stage kicked off in the East this week with a series of action-packed first leg encounters in the Round of 16.
Thanks given, ambitious aims, and supporters praised all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most presitigious competition.
"I want to thank the supporters who came here and created an amazing atmosphere despite it being a weekday – I am very grateful for them.”
Kashima Antlers midfielder Shoma Doi hails the home crowd after their 1-0 win first leg win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Tuesday.
"I believe in Ulsan, I believe in my teammates and I’ve said this for a while because we’ve been playing so well. I’m confident that we can go on and win the AFC Champions League.”
Dave Bulthuis insists Ulsan Hyundai have what it takes to lift the 2019 AFC Champions League after an impressive 2-1 away victory over Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.
"It's a must-win at home now next week, there's no other option for us. As such, we absolutely need to show our concentration, focus and aggressiveness in the game right from kick-off."
Sanfrecce midfielder Tsukasa Morishima looks ahead to the second leg meeting with Kashima, knowing that only a victory will do.
“When I scored, the reason I ran towards the bench was so I could thank our team doctor for all he has done for me in terms of getting me fit again."
Wei Shihao sung the praises of Guangzhou Evergrande’s doctor Silvano Cotti, after the attacking midfielder returned from injury to open the scoring in the 2-1 first leg victory against Shandong Luneng on Tuesday.
"In the second leg the scores will be level, but they have one away goal so we will definitely face a very tough task in Jeonju. We will do our best to be prepared for that challenge."
Wang Shenchao admitted that Shanghai SIPG now face a tough challenge to overcome two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors after they could only draw the first leg of their Round of 16 clash at Shanghai Stadium.
"I couldn’t miss that chance because the ball through to me was perfect."
Moon Seon-min hailed the superb Lim Sun-young assist that allowed the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward to net his first-ever AFC Champions League goal as the two-time champions claimed a 1-1 draw against Shanghai SIPG on Wednesday.
1' GOAL! 1-0 @jeonbuk_hyundai
WHAT A START! Moon Seon-Min is picked out with a delightful pass and he puts it away with a lovely dink over the keeper!#SHAvJEO #ACL2019 pic.twitter.com/KDs5CMeWoo
— FOX Sports LIVE! (@FSAsiaLive) June 19, 2019
"You have to look at the Round of 16 as a full 180 minutes of football, not just the first leg. My teammates and I are really looking forward to this second match."
Shandong's Tuesday night goalscorer Zhang Chi believes their tie with Guangzhou Evergrande is far from over ahead of the return meeting at Jinan Olympic Stadium.
"I went onto the pitch determined to score a goal. That I was able to was good, but as I couldn’t lead the team to win the game it didn’t mean anything."
Kenyu Sugimoto admitted any joy at scoring a first AFC Champions League goal for Urawa Red Diamonds was dampened by the final result as the J.League side lost 2-1 at home to Ulsan.
Source: the-afc.com