Australian clubs have endured years of frustration in Asia’s top-tier club competition, but Melbourne City FC believe this could finally be the season the narrative changes in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).
As the East Region reaches its halfway mark, City sit 7th out of 12 teams — with the top eight advancing to the Round of 16. After opening their campaign with back-to-back defeats, City roared back into contention with crucial wins over Buriram United and Machida Zelvia.
City resume their continental mission on Tuesday at AAMI Park, hosting Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) — currently sitting second in the East Region standings, behind only Japanese giants Vissel Kobe.
Once upon a time, A-League teams were seen as heavy favourites against Malaysian clubs. Not anymore.
City head coach Aurelio Vidmar, speaking to ESPN, made it clear he is under no illusions:
“Johor have won ten or eleven titles in a row — they’re extremely strong.
This is their third Champions League Elite campaign, and you can see how much they’ve grown.”
Vidmar praised JDT’s evolution from newcomers to genuine contenders:
“They are now winning games they previously found difficult.
They have very good players with big-game experience.
They’re doing fantastic domestically and in the Champions League — it’s a great test for us.”
Having coached in Thailand with BG Pathum United and Bangkok United, and in Singapore with Lion City Sailors, Vidmar has witnessed the region’s rapid rise firsthand.
Southeast Asian clubs have invested heavily in infrastructure, talent, and international expertise. The Sailors even reached the AFC Champions League Two final last season, eliminating Sydney FC along the way.
With Australia now having only one automatic ACLE spot — equal with Thailand and Malaysia — Vidmar warns the gap is closing:
“There are no easy games anymore.
Southeast Asian countries are investing heavily and continue to grow.
We must do the same or we’ll fall behind.”
Credit Photo : MCFC
