Jets heading to Japan: All you need to know about Newcastle’s next ACL assignment

Newcastle Jets are now just one win away from the Group Stage of this year’s AFC Champions League following Tuesday night’s dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over Indonesian champions Persija Jakarta.

But the final hurdle for Ernie Merrick’s men is a tricky one, with a trip to Japan next Tuesday night to face defending ACL champions Kashima Antlers.

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It’s a winner-takes-all clash for the Hyundai A-League club if they are to be involved in the group stage of the competition for the first time in 10 years.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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Who are Kashima Antlers?

The Antlers are the reigning champions of the AFC Champions League after claiming the 2018 title over Persepolis in the final.

They finished 3rd in the J-League last season, a competition which receives three and a half qualifying spots in the ACL.

But they are in the Playoff rounds as a result of Urawa Red Diamonds’ Emperors Cup win from fifth on the ladder.

The Antlers are currently gearing up for the fast-approaching J-League season and last played competitive football in December at the Club World Cup, taking on the likes of Real Madrid and River Plate. 

Kashima Antlers

When is the match?

The game will be played next Tuesday night’s game and is scheduled for kick-off at 9pm AEDT.

It will be one of two spots in Group E which will be decided on the night.

The trip to Japan comes amidst a heavy schedule for the Jets, whose focus now immediately turns to Melbourne City in the Hyundai A-League on Friday night.

The squad will then jump on a plane over the weekend bound for the home of the Samurai Blue.

Where is the match?

The fixture will see the Jets travel to Kashima, two hours north of Tokyo at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.

The 40,000-seater venue was purpose-built for the Antlers, the stadium’s sole occupant, who have called it home since it opened in 1993.

Kashima Soccer Stadium

How to watch

The game will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS in Australia.

Coverage is scheduled to start from 8pm, and you can catch all the action on Fox Sports 505, or the Kayo Sports app.

What’s at stake

Should Newcastle navigate what is a massive hurdle in the form of Kashima, they’ll make history by becoming the second Jets side to qualify for the Group Stage of the AFC Champions League.

The last time the club managed it was back in 2009, when a second-place finish in the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Season secured automatic qualification into the Group Stage.

Newcastle actually went as far as the Round of 16 that yea, but were knocked out by South Korean side, Pohang Steelers.

Entry into Group E will see the Jets come up against Gyeongnam FC (South Korea), Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia), and one of either Shandong Luneng (China) or Ha Noi (Vietnam).

Jets Champions League