'Challenging for Asian Summit': Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Faces Kashiwa Reysol in First ACLE Match at Home

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC takes a bold first step toward reclaiming the Asian summit at its home ground, 'Jeonju Fortress'.

Jeonbuk will host Kashiwa Reysol (Japan) in the first match of the 2026–2027 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on the 16th at 7 p.m.

This season, the ACLE operates with 12 teams each from East and West Asia competing in a league stage, with the top eight teams from each region advancing to the Round of 16 knockout tournament. As the K League 1 champion, Jeonbuk, which has reached the Asian summit twice in its history (2006 and 2016), aims once again for the title of Asia's strongest team.

Jeonbuk shares a long-standing rivalry with its first opponent, Kashiwa Reysol, having faced each other fiercely on the Asian stage over many years. The two teams have met eight times exclusively in the AFC Champions League from 2012 to 2018. Jeonbuk holds an unfavorable record of two wins, one draw, and five losses against them. In their most recent encounter during the 2018 group stage at Jeonju's home ground, Jeonbuk secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Kashiwa, which made its debut in the tournament in 2012, has proven its competitiveness on the Asian stage by reaching the semifinals in 2013 and is considered a formidable opponent.

In a press release, President Lee Do-hyun stated, "The ACLE is one of the most important stages Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors has long aspired to conquer." He added, "As this is our first match in front of home fans, the entire squad is preparing with high concentration. We will do our utmost to deliver a great performance and result for the fans visiting Jeonju Fortress."

A turnaround in momentum is urgently needed. Jeonbuk had gone six matches without defeat in K League 1 before being defeated 2-1 by FC Seoul in the 29th round on the 12th. Currently sitting third in K League 1 with 43 points, Jeonbuk is determined to shed the disappointment of missing out on a second-place finish in the league following the loss to Seoul by securing a victory in this first ACLE match.

Visiting team Kashiwa Reysol has recorded five wins and two losses in the early part of the J1 League season, placing them third. Although they suffered consecutive defeats against Cerezo Osaka and Yokohama F. Marinos earlier this month, they bounced back with a 3-2 comeback victory on the road against Kyoto Sanga on the 11th.

The key to the match lies in Jeonbuk's attacking line's finishing concentration. A decisive strike from the attack lineup anchored by Modao, Thiago, and Lee Seung-woo is required. This season, Jeonbuk has frequently employed various attacking combinations in the latter stages of matches to decide outcomes. With the recent addition of new player Dodô, the team has expanded its options further. Coach Chung Yong-joong had previously praised Dodô's attacking prowess and hinted at tactical changes, making it a key point of interest which attacking combination will be deployed in this first match.

The primary target to watch is Kashiwa's veteran winger Yūsuke Suga. Having scored four goals and provided one assist this season, Suga is a game-changer who destabilizes opposing defenses with his speed and sharp penetration into spaces behind the defense. Additionally, new signings Endo Keita and Fujio Shota, who combine speed with high work rate, are also players to watch. Jeonbuk's defensive line will be tested against the football style of Kashiwa's coach Ricardo Rodriguez, known for quick transitions and aggressive forward pressing.

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*This content was translated by AI.