The AFC Champions League Elite Asias premier club football competition rebranded from the AFC Champions League for the season showcases top clubs from East and West Asia vying for continental glory. Organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), this 43rd edition introduces a revamped format with 24 teams, a league phase, and a centralized knockout stage in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 25 to May 3, 2025. For fans searching AFC Champions League stats. this seasons key statisticsgoals, assists, clean sheets, expected goals (xG), and more offering insights into top performers and teams. it’s your ultimate resource for tracking the tournament’s data driven narrative.
Table of Contents
An Overview of the AFC Champions League Elite for 2024 and 25
The season, running from August 2024 to May 2025, features a streamlined format with 24 teams split into East and West regions (12 each). The league phase, from September 16, 2024, to February 19, 2025, saw each team play eight matches against different opponents, with the top eight from each region advancing to the round of 16. The knockout stage, including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, shifts to single-leg matches in Jeddah, except for the two-legged round of 16. Key details include:
- Teams: 27 clubs competed initially, with 24 reaching the league phase after qualifying rounds. Notable withdrawals included Shandong Taishan, who failed to report for their February 19, 2025, match against Ulsan HD.
- Qualification: The winner secures spots in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, plus entry to the 2025/2026 AFC Champions League Elite league stage (if not qualified domestically).
- Matches Played: 114 of 115 scheduled matches completed by March 12, 2025, with 337 goals scored, averaging 3.15 goals per game.
An Overview of the AFC Champions League Elite for 2024 and 25
Goals Scored
The tournament has been high-scoring, with 337 goals across 114 matches, per FootyStats. Al Hilal and Yokohama F. Marinos lead the West and East regions, respectively, with prolific outputs. The 3.15 goals-per-game average reflects attacking playstyles, particularly from Saudi and Japanese clubs.
Top Scorers
- Jasir Asani (Gwangju FC) is a standout in the East with nine goals.
- Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal): 8 goals, tying for second and driving Al Hilal’s campaign.
- Anderson Lopes (Yokohama F. Marinos): 8 goals, a key figure in the East, competing closely with Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli): 8 goals, excelling in the West region.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr): 7 goals, a major contender for the golden boot as Al Nassr faces Yokohama on April 26, 2025.
- Although Al Ain’s league phase elimination limited his impact, Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain) scored five goals.
Assists
- Oscar (Shanghai Port): Tops with 6 assists, showcasing his playmaking prowess.
- Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli): 5 assists, contributing to his 8 goals and assists combined.
- João Cancelo (Al Hilal): 4 assists, bolstering Al Hilal’s attack.
- Akram Afif (Al Sadd): Created 20 chances, though specific assist numbers are lower.
Clean Sheets
- Yokohama F. Marinos: Lead with 7 clean sheets, a defensive cornerstone in the East.
- Kawasaki Frontale: 6 clean sheets, reflecting their disciplined backline.
- Buriram United and Al Nassr: Each with 5 clean sheets, balancing attack and defense.
Defensive Stats
- Teams with Most Goals Conceded: Shanghai SIPG FC (23 goals), Al Ain (22), Central Coast Mariners (21), and Pohang Steelers (19) struggled defensively.
- Interceptions and Tackles: Footmercato highlights Al Hilal’s high interception rate and Kawasaki Frontale’s successful tackle percentage, key to their league phase success.
Chances Created
- Oscar (Shanghai Port): Created 27 chances, the highest in the tournament.
- Akram Afif (Al Sadd) and Kaku (Al Ain): Each created 20 chances, though their teams underperformed.
Cards
- Yellow Cards: Hazem Shehata (Al Rayyan) leads with 4, followed by Abdulaziz Hatem and Cryzan da Cruz (3 each).
- Red Cards: Akihiro Ienaga, Seydou Sano, and Soufiane Bouftini each received 1, impacting their teams’ strategies.
Expected Goals (xG)
While specific xG data is limited, FootyStats notes that teams like Al Hilal and Yokohama F. Marinos exceed their xG, converting chances efficiently. Conversely, Al Ain’s negative xG vs. actual goals suggests missed opportunities, contributing to their elimination.
Top Teams and Performances
Al Hilal (West Region)
Al Hilal, with four historical titles, dominated the West region league phase, led by Salem Al-Dawsari’s 8 goals and João Cancelo’s assists. Their match against Gwangju FC on April 25, 2025, is a key knockout stage fixture.
Yokohama F. Marinos (East Region)
Yokohama’s 7 clean sheets and Anderson Lopes’ 8 goals made them East region leaders. Their April 26, 2025, clash with Al Nassr, featuring Ronaldo, is a must-watch.
Al Nassr (West Region)
Al Nassr’s five clean sheets and seven goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrate their potential. Their knockout stage progression hinges on overcoming Yokohama’s defense.
Kawasaki Frontale (East Region)
Kawasaki’s 6 clean sheets and 4-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua on March 12, 2025, underscore their defensive and offensive balance. They face Al-Sadd on April 27, 2025.
Al Ain (Defending Champions)
Al Ain’s surprise league phase exit was caused by their 22 goals conceded, despite Soufiane Rahimi’s 5 goals.
Where to Find AFC Champions League Elite Stats
Fans can access comprehensive stats through trusted platforms:
- ESPN (espn.com): Al Hilal and Yokohama are highlighted in in-depth statistics on goals, assists, and clean sheets.
- Sofascore (sofascore.com): Live scores, player ratings, and tournament averages (3.15 goals per game).
- FootyStats (footystats.org): In-depth metrics like xG, BTTS, and top scorers, noting 337 total goals.
- FotMob (fotmob.com): Top scorers, assists, and match stats for quick reference.
- AFC Official Website (the-afc.com): Standings, fixtures, and official stats, though JavaScript is required.
- Tribuna.com: Player stats, including Oscar’s 27 chances created and Jasir Asani’s 7 goals.
- Flashscore.com: Real-time scores, standings, and odds, covering upcoming matches like Al Hilal vs. Gwangju.
- X Posts: @UCR7L and @arielipillo shared top scorer updates, with Jasir Asani leading at 9 goals.
Broadcasting and Live Stats Access
- Asia: beIN Sports, DAZN Japan, and TrillerTV stream matches, with Star Sports airing in India.
- Global: The AFC’s YouTube channel offers highlights, with select games on ESPN (Star+) in Latin America.
- Live Stats Apps: 365Scores, FlashFootball, and Soccer24.com provide instant updates on goals, cards, and stats.
Historical Context and Records
Since 1967, 24 clubs have won the competition, with Al Hilal holding a record four titles. South Korean clubs lead with 12 titles, per Wikipedia. Al Ain, the 2024 champions, failed to defend their title, marking a rare upset. The tournament’s prize money, though not fully detailed for historically rewards group stage participants and escalates to millions for the winner, per Wikipedia.
Notable Records
- Most Titles: Al Hilal (4), followed by Pohang Steelers and Urawa Red Diamonds (3 each).
- Highest Attendance: 21 matches in Iran exceeded 70,000 fans, a testament to the tournament’s popularity.
- Top Scorer (All-Time): Not specified for 2024/2025, but Jasir Asani’s 9 goals set a high bar.
Challenges and Controversies
- Withdrawals: The East region standings were thrown off when Shandong Taishan pulled out after losing to Ulsan HD.
- Travel Costs: High travel expenses for away matches, especially for Australian clubs, remain a barrier, as noted in historical critiques.
- Format Transition: The shift to a 24-team league phase and centralized knockout stage sparked debate over fairness and logistics.
- Data Gaps: Limited xG and advanced analytics availability hampers deeper statistical analysis compared to European competitions.
Conclusion
The AFC Champions League Elite has delivered thrilling football, with 337 goals across 114 matches and standout performances from Jasir Asani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Al Hilal. Teams like Yokohama F. Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale showcase defensive resilience, while Al Ain’s exit highlights the tournament’s unpredictability. Fans can dive into stats on ESPN, Sofascore, FootyStats, and the AFC’s official site, with beIN Sports and DAZN streaming the action. Despite challenges like withdrawals and travel costs, the tournament’s 3.15 goals-per-game average and stars like Riyad Mahrez keep it vibrant. As the Jeddah finals approach, this guide equips you to track every goal, assist, and clean sheet. Visit the-afc.com or follow @UCR7L on X for the latest updates, and join the excitement as Asia’s best chase glory!
References:
- ESPN: AFC Champions League Elite Stats 2024-25
- Sofascore: AFC Champions League Elite Table & Stats
- FootyStats: AFC Champions League 2024/2025 Table & Stats
- Wikipedia: AFC Champions League Elite
- Wikipedia: 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite
- Tribuna.com: AFC Champions League 2024/2025 Statistics
- @UCR7L on X: Top Scorers Update
- @arielipillo on X: Ronaldo vs. Lopes Comparison
FAQS
Who are the top scorers in the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League Elite?
Jasir Asani (Gwangju FC) leads with 9 goals, followed by Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal), Anderson Lopes (Yokohama F. Marinos), and Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) with 8 each, and Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) with 7.
Which teams have scored the most goals in the 2024/2025 season?
Al Hilal and Yokohama F. Marinos lead their respective West and East regions, with Yokohama scoring 21 goals in 7 matches, per AiScore.
What is the average goals per match in the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League Elite?
The tournament averages 3.15 goals per match, with 337 goals scored across 114 matches, according to Sofascore.
Which teams have the most clean sheets?
Yokohama F. Marinos lead with 7 clean sheets, followed by Kawasaki Frontale with 6, and Al Nassr and Buriram United with 5 each, per FootyStats.
Where can I find live AFC Champions League Elite stats?
ESPN, Sofascore, FootyStats, FotMob, and Flashscore.com offer real-time stats on goals, assists, cards, and more, with live updates for matches like Al Hilal vs. Gwangju FC.
