AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 Second Leg: Machida Zelvia Host Gangwon FC in Quarter-Final Decider

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This match at Machida GION Stadium is the decisive second leg of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) Round of 16. The first leg between Japan's Machida Zelvia and South Korea's Gangwon FC concluded in a goalless 0-0 draw, making this return fixture a winner-takes-all encounter for a spot in the quarter-finals. Machida Zelvia, making their debut in the ACL Elite, advanced to the knockout stage as the top seed from the East Zone League Stage, demonstrating strong performance. Similarly, debutants Gangwon FC narrowly secured a spot in the Round of 16 from the East Zone. The victor of this match will not only progress to the next round but also move closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as securing a place in the league stage of the next season's AFC Champions League Elite.

Recent Form

Machida Zelvia comes into this clash in strong form, maintaining an unbeaten streak across all competitions. Their last five official matches show 2 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses: a 0-0 draw against Gangwon FC in the ACL, a 2-1 win over JEF United Ichihara Chiba in the J1 League, a 2-2 draw with Tokyo Verdy in the J1 League, a 3-2 win against Chengdu Rongcheng FC in the ACL, and a 2-2 draw against Mito HollyHock in the J1 League. Gangwon FC's recent performance has been more challenging, with their last five official matches yielding 0 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss. These results include a 0-0 draw against Machida Zelvia in the ACL, a 1-3 loss to Ulsan HD FC in the K League 1, and 0-0 draws against Melbourne City FC and Shanghai Port in the ACL. They also recorded a 2-2 draw against Buriram United in the ACL. Overall, Gangwon FC is reportedly in a difficult period, securing only one win in their last ten outings.

Key Players & Injury News

For Machida Zelvia, key offensive players include Erik Nascimento de Lima, their leading scorer with 4 goals. Yuki Soma has also been influential with 3 goals and 1 assist, earning high ratings. Yuta Nakayama has contributed 1 goal. Defensively, goalkeeper Kosei Tani made crucial saves in the first leg, while Gen Shoji and Daihachi Okamura are vital figures in the backline. There are no significant new injury reports for Machida Zelvia at present. For Gangwon FC, Mo Jae-hyun stands out as a key creative force, having contributed 5 goals and 5 assists in 19 league appearances in the 2025 season. Other notable players include Kim Dae-won, Kim Gun-hee, and new loan signing Goh Young-jun, who adds creativity in midfield. Abdallah Hleihel is the leading scorer in the 2026 K League 1 with 1 goal. Similarly, there are no significant new injury reports for Gangwon FC.