The AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 opened with a barrage of goals-55 in total across the first round. Defenses struggled, and the tone for the group stage was set: no one can afford to play it safe.
Kashima Antlers made the biggest statement, beating Newcastle Jets 7-1. Aleksandar Cavrić scored a first-half hat-trick, helping the Japanese club to a convincing win in their first continental appearance since 2019. For a team that has struggled at home, this result was a timely boost. The AFC's official match report called it one of the most dominant performances of the round.
"After the opening round, Kashima Antlers led the East Region table on goal difference (+6), with Shanghai Port also on three points but a +2 goal difference, as confirmed by live standings services."
- ESPN
Shanghai Port and Ratchaburi played out the wildest match of the round, with Shanghai Port winning 6-4. Ten goals in one game summed up the attacking approach seen across the opening fixtures. With 32 clubs in the competition, the fight for early qualification is already intense. Flashscore's coverage noted that Shanghai Port's 6-4 win was among the highest-scoring matches of the round.
Defending champions Al Ahli Saudi had a rough start, needing a stoppage-time goal from Firas Al-Buraikan to draw 1-1 with Pakhtakor. The Saudi Press Agency reported that both teams took a point from their opener at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. Al Ahli, who won the title last season, now face a tougher path to a third championship after dropping points in their first match.
For the UAE's clubs-Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, and Al Wasl-the pressure is on. As reported earlier, expectations are high both at home and in Asia, and the early goal-fests only add to the scrutiny.
"The AFC's competition page shows that the opening round of the East Region league stage also featured Beijing FC defeating Pohang Steelers 3-1 and Johor Darul Ta'zim drawing 1-1 with Buriram United. These results confirm the depth of competition and the unpredictable nature of the group stage."
- AFC
Chinese clubs, who failed to reach the knockout rounds last season, found some redemption as both Shanghai Port and Beijing FC started with wins. These results give Chinese football a lift and a chance to push further this year.
Al Hilal Saudi edged Al Gharafa Qatar 2-1. For a club with four Asian titles and a reputation for strong group-stage play, the question is whether they can finally turn early momentum into a championship run. In the last two seasons, they topped their group but fell short in the knockout rounds.
The group stage has only just begun, but the message is clear: this year's AFC Champions League Elite is already unpredictable. High scores, surprise results, and early pressure on the favorites suggest that every match could shift the balance. For teams hoping to reach the knockout rounds, there is little room for error. The opening round has raised the bar for intensity, and if this pace continues, the tournament could be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
