Sydney FC will make history tonight when they go head-to-head with South Korean giants Jeonbuk Motors in their two-legged AFC Champions League Two quarter-final tie.
For the first time in the club’s history, Sydney will contest a Champions League quarter-final, with the Sky Blues away to Jeonbuk in the opening leg on Thursday night – live and free on 10 Play, before hosting the return fixture at Allianz Stadium on March 13.
Sydney setup a clash with two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk by outlasting Thailand’s Bangkok United in a thrilling Round-of-16 showdown and Ufuk Talay’s side – spearheaded by Douglas Costa and super-sub Adrian Segecic – and are now embracing the significance of their place in the last eight.
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“This is an incredible milestone in our 20-year history, and it highlights our ambition to be a dominant force in Asian football,” Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said.
“The AFC Champions League Two is a prestigious competition that elevates our club’s reputation not just in Australia but across the continent.
“To be competing at this stage is a testament to the hard work of our players, coaches, and staff, and we need every Sky Blue supporter behind us to help get us over the line.”
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This will be the fifth meeting between Sydney and Jeonbuk, with the Sky Blues looking to break their drought against the nine-time K1 League champions.
Jeonbuk have won two of the previous four fixtures, including a 3-2 victory in the 2022 AFC Champions League.
“There’s a bit of a history with Sydney and Jeonbuk within these competitions, but for us we want to change that,” Talay told reporters pre-game.
“I think Sydney have always come pretty close but haven’t just gotten over the line.”
Jeonbuk head coach and former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet added: “Important game.
“Good teams trying to play football, offensive football. Really looking forward to an entertaining game.”
Thursday’s match will be played at a home away from home for Jeonbuk.
Normally based in Jeonju, the pitch has been deemed un-playable due to the cold conditions across South Korea, with the game how taking place at Yongin Mireu Stadium outside of Suwon.
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“It’s a really bad decision for the fans from the Asian Football Federation,” Poyet said.
“If we want to make sure the AFC Champions League Two is successful in the following years, we need to have the fans to enjoy these kinds of games, especially when they’re so decisive.
“If not, it’s better not to play.”
Match Details
Jeonbuk Motors v Sydney FC
Quarter-Final – AFC Champions League Two
Thursday, March 6 2025
Yongin Mireu Stadium, Suwon
Kick-off: 9:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10 Play
