In case you’re unaware, there’s a little competition called the AFC Champions League that pits the best teams of Asia up against each other, first of all in a group phase, and then a knockout phase.
The draw for the 2011 tournament took place in Kuala Lumpur this evening (Dec 7th) and Melbourne Victory have been drawn in one of the toughest groups, Group E, along with Jeju United (KOR), Tianjin Teda (CHN) and former ACL winners, Gamba Osaka (JPN).
This will be Victory’s third ACL campaign, having previously qualified for the 2008 and 2010 competitions. We haven’t had much luck in the past, being drawn in tough groups on both occasions.
Once again a tough round of matches awaits us.
This is the second time we’ve been drawn against Gamba Osaka, having faced them in 2008. Our home game against Gamba that year is one than many will never forget.
Although the Victory lost that night, it was a thrilling, end-to-end game of football which Gamba won 4-3.
The Japanese club then went on to win the tournament with the Victory finishing in second place in their group. At that time the rules of the competition only allowed the first placed team to qualify for the knockout stage.
The format has since changed and now the top two teams in each group go through, similar to Europe.
It won’t be an easy start to the tournament for the Victory, either, as we’ll travel away to Gamba Osaka for Match Day 1 on March the 1st, 2011.
As you might know, Melbourne qualified for the 2011 ACL by finishing as runners up in the A-League in the 2009/10 season. Our opponents are also runners up of their respective domestic leagues.
Gamba Osaka qualify as runners up of the J-League, Tianjin Teda of the Chinese Super League and Jeju United as runners up of the K-League. This will be Jeju’s very first appearance in the Champions League.
Tianjin Teda is no stranger to Melbourne, either, as the clubs share a sister partnership. The affiliate relationship includes a pre-season friendly once a year known as the Lord Mayors Cup which was first played in 2007.
The Victory won the Cup on that occasion, with Tianjin taking the prize in 2008 and 2009.
At first glance, Tianjin would seem the most beatable side but any team on their day can be dangerous in Asia. There’s still plenty of time between now and the start of the tournament, however, and many things can change.
The fact remains though that our squad will need strengthening if we want to get out of the group. If can we manage to bring in a few experienced, quality players and keep our current team fit and healthy I feel we can make an impact.
We will have Isaka Cernak by this stage, though question marks remain over some of the older players in the squad. such as Muscat and Pondeljak. I doubt that Muscat will stay on for the ACL campaign as he made his feelings known last time round that he didn’t like playing in the competition.
And as he’s set to retire at seasons’ end, I’d expect him to give it a miss.
My main worry, though, is the goalkeeping position.
Michael Petkovic hasn’t been the most convincing shot stopper this season and I have major doubts over his ability to perform in such a fast paced, quality competition.
I fear that he won’t be replaced.
Merrick is usually one to show plenty of faith in his players. Sometimes too much faith.
We will know more about our chances in Asia as the A-League season comes to an end, depending if we make the Finals or not. Either way, I’d really like to see us make an impression in the ACL and hopefully our past experiences mean we will be better prepared to take on Asia’s best.
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