AFC Champions League Quarterfinals Second Leg: Jeonbuk’s Striker Finds Form, Al Hilal’s Rich Heritage

The AFC Champions League quarterfinals second leg matches continue on the evening of March 12, Beijing time. In the previous round, Jeonbuk Hyundai’s main striker, Gustavo Orobo, finally scored his first goal since joining the team, which has undoubtedly boosted his confidence. Meanwhile, Al Hilal of Riyadh boasts almost double the number of AFC Champions League finals appearances compared to any other Asian team. Their vast experience is unmatched, especially considering their opponents, Al Ittihad Jeddah, are without two former French internationals due to injury and suspension. The odds are certainly in Al Hilal's favor.

Ulsan Hyundai vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai: Orobo Breaks His Duck

Although Ulsan Hyundai currently boasts superior strength compared to Jeonbuk Hyundai, when Jeonbuk is determined to fight, it’s tough for Ulsan to suppress them. The first leg was a prime example of this. Jeonbuk came out with a winning mentality, scoring through a cross just four minutes into the game, catching Ulsan's defense off guard. Jeonbuk's relentless pressure continued, and 20 minutes later, they were awarded a penalty. Naturally, it was taken by Gustavo Orobo, who joined this season as a marquee signing from Brazil. Having played three full matches without scoring, Orobo was eager to find the net. He aimed for the top right corner, hoping for an unstoppable shot, but his pursuit of precision saw the ball hit the crossbar.

After Orobo missed the penalty, Ulsan began to settle, creating some offensive pressure. Jeonbuk, missing the chance to solidify their lead, appeared deflated. Additionally, Jeonbuk’s initial aggressive play drained their energy more than Ulsan's. Eventually, Ulsan equalized in the second half. Despite Jeonbuk's efforts to reclaim the lead, the momentum wasn’t in their favor, and a 1-1 draw was not the worst outcome for either side.

The influence of the AFC Champions League was evident in both teams' weekend league performances. Ulsan Hyundai, leading 3-0 at halftime, allowed Gimcheon Sangmu, playing without foreign players, to pull back two goals. The final 30 minutes of the game were tense, but Ulsan managed to hold onto their victory. Jeonbuk, mirroring their previous pattern, fell behind before equalizing, with Orobo finally scoring his debut goal for the club.

Last season, the two teams played three matches at Ulsan’s home ground, including a championship playoff, with Ulsan narrowly winning each by one goal. This AFC Champions League clash is expected to be similarly cautious, with both sides likely to perform at just a fraction of their full potential. Should the match go into extra time, Jeonbuk’s resilience might give them an edge.

Al Ittihad Jeddah vs. Al Hilal Riyadh: Champions Beyond Stars

Both Saudi Arabian giants, Al Ittihad Jeddah and Al Hilal Riyadh, have won the AFC Champions League multiple times. They currently boast several star players, but their attitudes toward playing in Saudi Arabia differ significantly. For instance, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté of Al Ittihad tend to view these matches as less intense, whereas Al Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrović, aiming for peak form ahead of the summer’s European Championship, is fully committed.

The first leg reflected this disparity. Al Hilal played more aggressively and proactively, capitalizing on Benzema’s absence, which severely weakened Al Ittihad’s attack. In the final stages of the first half, Al Hilal enjoyed a surge, with Mitrović being fouled in the box and converting the penalty himself to take the lead. Two minutes later, a swift counterattack saw them double their advantage. In the second half, a frustrated Kanté was sent off for a reckless challenge, and with both him and Benzema unavailable for the return leg, Al Hilal’s prospects look even brighter.

Al Hilal has a storied history in the AFC Champions League, having won it four times and finishing as runners-up five times—both records in Asia. This rich heritage suggests they are well-prepared for high-stakes matches. Despite playing away, Al Hilal is expected to perform at about 20% of their potential, while Al Ittihad, even with home advantage, might struggle to respond effectively.

Tactical Adjustments and Player Formations

Jeonbuk Hyundai’s Offensive Strategy:

The emergence of Gustavo Orobo as a scoring threat is crucial for Jeonbuk. His physical presence and finishing ability add a new dimension to their attack. Jeonbuk's strategy will likely focus on exploiting Ulsan's defensive vulnerabilities through set pieces and aerial duels, where Orobo can thrive. The team’s ability to maintain high-intensity pressure without depleting their energy reserves will be key.

Ulsan Hyundai’s Defensive Cohesion:

Ulsan's defense needs to be vigilant against Jeonbuk's early aggression. Stabilizing the backline early and avoiding the mistakes that led to Jeonbuk’s initial goal in the first leg will be essential. Ulsan's midfield must also control the pace of the game to limit Jeonbuk’s attacking opportunities.

Al Hilal’s Comprehensive Approach:

Al Hilal’s balanced approach, combining solid defense with dynamic attacks, has been their strength. Mitrović’s form is vital, but the contributions from other key players like Salem Al-Dawsari and Matheus Pereira will also play significant roles. Ensuring defensive discipline while capitalizing on counterattacks could be their path to success.

Al Ittihad’s Tactical Adjustments:

With Benzema and Kanté unavailable, Al Ittihad must find alternative ways to breach Al Hilal’s defense. Relying on younger players or lesser-known stars to step up and fill the void will be crucial. The team’s defensive organization must also improve to withstand Al Hilal’s attacks.

Key Matchups and Player Battles

Orobo vs. Ulsan’s Defense:

Orobo’s duel with Ulsan’s center-backs will be pivotal. His physicality and aerial prowess will challenge Ulsan’s defensive stability. Successfully marking and neutralizing Orobo could disrupt Jeonbuk’s attacking flow.

Mitrović vs. Al Ittihad’s Backline:

Mitrović’s ability to find space and convert chances under pressure makes him a constant threat. Al Ittihad’s defenders need to maintain concentration and positional discipline to contain his impact.

Jeonbuk’s Midfield vs. Ulsan’s Control:

Jeonbuk’s midfield must disrupt Ulsan’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating the game’s pace. Winning the midfield battle could be decisive in controlling the match’s flow.

Al Hilal’s Wingers vs. Al Ittihad’s Full-Backs:

Al Hilal’s wingers, particularly Al-Dawsari, can stretch Al Ittihad’s defense and create scoring opportunities. Their ability to deliver accurate crosses or cut inside to shoot will be critical.

Psychological Aspects and Team Morale

Jeonbuk’s Confidence Boost:

Orobo’s goal and Jeonbuk’s solid first-leg performance should boost their confidence. Maintaining a positive mindset and translating this into a cohesive team effort will be vital for their success.

Ulsan’s Resilience:

Despite the first-leg draw, Ulsan’s ability to come from behind demonstrates resilience. Channeling this determination into a disciplined performance could see them through.

Al Hilal’s Experience:

Al Hilal’s extensive history in the AFC Champions League provides them with a psychological edge. Their experience in handling high-pressure situations will be an asset.

Al Ittihad’s Home Advantage:

Playing at home offers Al Ittihad a boost, but overcoming the absence of key players will be challenging. The team’s ability to harness the home crowd’s energy while remaining focused on their tactical plan will be crucial.

The AFC Champions League quarterfinals second legs promise intense tactical and psychological battles. Jeonbuk Hyundai’s resurgence led by Orobo and Al Hilal Riyadh’s rich heritage set the stage for compelling matches. As teams vie for a place in the semifinals, player performances, tactical adjustments, and mental fortitude will be decisive in determining the outcomes.