Gwangju FC Faces Al Hilal in AFC Champions League Quarterfinals - Times News Global
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Gwangju FC Faces Al Hilal in AFC Champions League Quarterfinals

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Afc Champions League Quarterfinal Match Gwangju Fc Al Hilal

SEOUL, South Korea — Gwangju FC is set to take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite on Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. local time in Jeddah. This knockout match highlights Gwangju FC’s remarkable journey as the sole K League 1 club remaining in the competition.

Gwangju FC, known for their resilience, stunned Vissel Kobe in the last round. After losing the first leg 2-0, they rallied to win 3-0 in the second leg, advancing with an aggregate score of 3-2. Coach Lee Jung-hyo expressed optimism about their upcoming clash, stating, “I hope a lot of people will feel inspired by watching us play.”

Al Hilal, one of the most successful clubs globally, boasts an impressive 70 major titles, including four previous AFC Champions League championships. Their current squad features stars such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, creating a formidable challenge for Gwangju.

Lee acknowledged Al Hilal’s rich history but emphasized his team’s organizational strength: “Football is a team sport, and I believe in our team’s possibilities. We really want to win the tournament.” His sentiments were echoed by midfielder Park Tae-jun, who recently scored in a K League match, saying, “We may not have their individual skills but if we can battle as a team, we should be able to come away with a good result.”

In a financial context, Gwangju FC stands to gain significantly from their continued success. They have already secured $600,000 for reaching the quarterfinals and will earn even more should they advance further. As a club struggling with budget constraints—spending around $6.7 million on player salaries last season—the potential prize money represents a crucial financial boost.

The match will mark a pivotal moment for Gwangju FC as they aim to further their deep underdog narrative against an elite competitor in Al Hilal.

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