Sydney FC return to AFC Champions League action on Wednesday night, March 4, in their first home clash of the group stage against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC at Jubilee Stadium (kick off 7:30pm AEDT).
Get to know more about our opponents, K League 1 Champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, coached by former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea FC assistant José Morais:
How did they qualify?
Jeonbuk earned automatic qualification to the group stage after claiming the 2019 K League 1 title in commanding fashion, losing only 3 games in a 38 game season to seal the Championship, scoring 72 goals in the process.
What is their history in the AFC Champions League?
Jeonbuk have won the AFC Champions League on two occasions, first in 2006 and the second time in 2016. The Korean side also made the Final in 2011, losing out to Qatari side Al-Sadd. In their most recent campaign, the Korean side were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage by Shanghai SIPG.
Who are their key players?
Jeonbuk boast a wealth of Korean talent, headlined by national team members Kim Jin-su, formerly of Hoffenheim, Kim Bo-Kyung who enjoyed spells at Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic amongst other clubs, and Son Jun-ho. Leading the line for the Korean Champions is South African international Lars Veldwijk, who joined Jeonbuk in January after scoring 27 goals in 42 games for Sparta Rotterdam.
Interesting Statistics:
- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC were the first club from East Asia to win the AFC Champions League in its current format (adopted in 2003).
- Jeonbuk were one of the first clubs to claim the continental title despite not having won the domestic league.
- Jeonbuk are the third most successful side in K League history, with seven Championships and two runners up medals to their names.
- Jeonbuk have progressed beyond the group stage in each of their last six AFC Champions League campaigns.
