'Lee Seung-woo, Thiago, Lee Dong-jun to Start': Jeonbuk Reveals Lineup for Fateful Clash with Kashima Antlers in Japan... Aiming for Victory in ACLE Debut [Jeonju Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors launches its hunt for Kashima Antlers (Japan) with a formidable attacking lineup featuring Thiago, Lee Seung-woo, and Lee Dong-jun as they face the first hurdle in reclaiming Asian supremacy.

On the 16th at 7 p.m., Jeonbuk will host Kashima of Japan's J1 League at Jeonju World Cup Stadium for the first match of the 2026–2027 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) League Stage.

For this match, Jeonbuk deployed striker Thiago up front, with Lee Seung-woo and Lee Dong-jun starting alongside him in attack. In midfield, Kim Jin-gyu, Lee Young-jae, and Gam Bo-a will link up. The back four consists of Kim Tae-hyun, Kim Young-bin, Jo Wi-je, and Kim Tae-hwan, while goalkeeper Song Bum-keun takes his place between the posts.

This season's ACLE features 12 clubs 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 reigning K League 1 champions, Jeonbuk — a traditional powerhouse that claimed Asian titles in 2006 and 2016 — aims once again for the champion's trophy.

Kashima Antlers have maintained a long-standing rivalry with Jeonbuk on the Asian stage. The two teams faced each other eight times in the AFC Champions League from 2012 to 2018. In their all-time head-to-head record, Jeonbuk trails with two wins, one draw, and five losses. However, in their most recent encounter during the 2018 group stage at Jeonju's home ground, Jeonbuk secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Kashima has proven its competitiveness on the Asian stage since its debut in 2012, reaching the semifinals in 2013.

A win in this match is crucial for Jeonbuk to reverse its recent momentum. After a six-game unbeaten run in K League 1, the team suffered a 2-1 defeat against FC Seoul in the 29th round on the 12th. Currently sitting third in K League 1 with 43 points, Jeonbuk seeks to shed the disappointment of falling short in the title race following the loss to Seoul and turn the tide with a decisive victory in its ACLE opener.

Kashima Antlers, traveling as visitors, have shown strong form early this season, sitting third in J1 League with five wins and two losses. Although they stumbled earlier this month after consecutive defeats against Cerezo Osaka and Yokohama F. Marinos, they bounced back with a 3-2 comeback win on the road against Kyoto Sanga on the 11th.

The key to the match lies in Jeonbuk's attacking firepower and clinical finishing. Beyond the destructive potential of starting attackers Thiago, Lee Seung-woo, and Lee Dong-jun, there is anticipation for diverse tactical options from the bench, including Motto and new foreign striker Dodô, who can adapt to the flow of the game.

The defense must thoroughly neutralize Kashima's rapid counterattacks. Key players such as veteran winger Suga Yūsuke (four goals and one assist this season), core midfielder Endo Keita, and Fujio Shota — all known for their speed and dynamic mobility — are ready to come off the bench. Jeonbuk's back four will need unwavering concentration to withstand the aggressive pressing and quick transitions orchestrated by coach Ricardo Rodriguez.

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*This content was translated by AI.