AFC Champions League Elite: Al-Hilal and Kashima make it two from two as matchday 3 arrives
Al-Hilal and Kashima Antlers both made it two wins from two in the AFC Champions League Elite league stage, with matchday 3 being played from 26 to 28 October 2026.
Matchday 2 highlights (12–14 October)
- Al Sadd 0–2 Al-Hilal: Ollie Watkins and Rúben Neves scored in Doha for Al-Hilal’s second straight win.
- Shabab Al Ahli 2–1 Al-Ittihad: Shabab Al Ahli are one of four West Region clubs with maximum points after two rounds.
- Kashima Antlers 1–0 Công An Hà Nội: a 61st-minute own goal moved Kashima to six points after their 7–1 opening win over Newcastle Jets.
- Vissel Kobe 2–0 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors: Yuya Osako and Yuya Kuwasaki scored for Kobe’s second win.
- Kashiwa Reysol 5–1 Port: five different scorers inside the first 30 minutes gave Kashiwa their first win.
What’s next
Matchday 3 runs 26–27 October in the West and 27–28 October in the East. The top eight clubs in each region after eight rounds reach the round of 16, and the final is on 1 May 2027.
More: AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 guide: schedule, teams and results
Sources: AFC: Matchday Two facts and figures; ESPN: Al Sadd 0-2 Al Hilal; 2026–27 AFC Champions League Elite (Wikipedia).
