Yokohama F·Marinos Aim to Continue Historic AFC Champions League Run

Yokohama F·Marinos have made history by advancing to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the first time ever. However, they are not satisfied with just this achievement – their sights are set on winning the Asian championship. Their next obstacle in this pursuit is overcoming Shandong Taishan of China to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

In the Round of 16, the Tricolor secured a hard-fought victory over Bangkok United with an Anderson Lopes penalty kick in the 122nd minute of the second leg. This late triumph showcased Marinos’ resilience, a trait they will need to display consistently if they aim to clinch the continental crown.

Shandong Taishan matched Marinos’ feat by triumphing over Kawasaki Frontale in the last 16, setting up an intriguing clash between the two sides.

Having faced each other twice in the group stage, Marinos hold the psychological advantage over Shandong. In their previous encounters, Marinos emerged victorious on both occasions, with standout performances from players like Kota Mizunuma, Élber, and Anderson Lopes proving pivotal.

Although both teams have undergone changes since their previous meetings, Marinos retain their potent attacking prowess. They will look to capitalize on this strength once more to outclass Shandong and progress to the next round.

The quarter-final showdown between Marinos and Shandong is scheduled to kick off on March 6 at Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium in China, before the return leg on March 13 at the electric Nissan Stadium. The Yokohama faithful are expected to come out in full force to support their beloved Tricolor in their quest for continental glory.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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