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September 23, 2024
Top J-League teams are gearing up for elevated stakes as they enter the revamped Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE). This esteemed competition is expected to feature the top of Asian club football. This year, the competition has significantly increased its prize money, offering a staggering $10 million—2.5 times more than what was available in the previous ACL season. This substantial financial incentive motivates clubs to perform at their highest level.
The Asian Football Confederation has introduced this new top-tier, 24-team competition, a notable reduction from the previous 40 teams in the ACL. This strategic move aims to raise the standard of play across the continent, ensuring that only the most competitive and skilled teams participate. Among the J-League representatives in this inaugural tournament are last year’s J1 champions, Vissel Kobe; runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos; and Emperor’s Cup winners Kawasaki Frontale. Additionally, Sanfrecce Hiroshima will compete in the newly established Champions League 2, a second-tier, 32-team competition, after finishing third in J1.
Unlike the previous ACL format, where teams faced three opponents in a straightforward round-robin group stage, clubs in the ACLE will now be challenged to play against eight of the 12 teams in their respective regions—either West or East for the J-League sides. This significant shift increases the number of matches. It requires clubs to expand their scouting and preparation efforts, as they must now analyze eight opponents instead of just three during the group stage.
With the heightened competition and increased rewards, J-League teams must adapt quickly to succeed in this new landscape. The pressure is on for these clubs to demonstrate their skill, resilience, and tactical prowess as they navigate the challenges of the ACLE, aiming to make their mark on the continental stage. As the tournament unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how these clubs rise to the occasion and whether they can capitalize on the new opportunities presented by this exciting format.
“It’s hard to imagine (what it will be like),” Kawasaki manager Toru Oniki expressed confidence in the upcoming tournament. At the same time, the club’s head of development, Hiroaki Takeuchi, emphasized, “There’s no sense of unfairness,” noting that all Japanese teams have been assigned to compete against the same eight opponents.
Match venues will significantly influence tactics, as many clubs adjust their strategies based on whether they are playing at home or away. Additionally, the increased travel demands are a crucial consideration, given the vast distances that Asian clubs must cover.
Ultimately, the top eight teams from the East and West regions will advance to the knockout stage, setting the stage for intense competition as they vie for a place in the round of 16.
“Winning three or four games early will help get into that top eight, so that’ll be important,” Kobe manager Takayuki Yoshida commented on the current situation. Although the champions of the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) will secure a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup next summer in the United States, interest in Asia’s premier club tournament has been relatively low in Japan.
Last season, J-League finalists Yokohama F. Marinos attracted only 12,887 and 16,098 fans to their home legs of the quarterfinals and semifinals at Nissan Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 72,000. This disappointing turnout highlights the need for greater engagement and enthusiasm among local fans for the competition.
” In other countries, the tournament is always on television, including special programs before the games,” a source at a participating J1 club said.
“(J-League) clubs also need to work to lift the mood (around the tournament) to have more fans coming to watch on weekdays.”.
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