Top 5 favourites to win AFC Champions League 2021

These clubs have a proven track record in the competition and have now set their sights on the coveted title.

When Edu Bedia gave FC Goa an unprecedented lead against last year’s AFC Champions League runners-up Persepolis a few days ago, it was a moment of pride for Indian football fans. Nevertheless, the Iranian giants went on to win the game 2-1 and proved why they are one of the favourites to win the competition.

However, Persepolis will not have it the easy way as they progress to the next stages. There are several other contenders for the title and today, we pick the five favourites to lift the AFC Champions League 2021:

5. Persepolis (Iran)

Persepolis are one of the in-form teams in the AFC Champions League 2021, with four wins in five games so far. The Red Army are also having a good time in the Iranian Pro League, where they stand second and are unbeaten in their five previous games.

In the ACL, Persepolis have been very unfortunate in the past three years, finishing as runners-up twice. This time, the reinvigorated side will look to go a step further and clinch their first-ever title. Head coach Yahya Golmohammadi deserves it more than anyone for the formidable team that he has built.

After their inspiring run to the final in the previous edition, six Persepolis players were picked by fans in their Best XI of the competition.

4. Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)

Al-Nassr left it late in Group D to book a place in the Round of 16 as they defeated Xavi Hernandez's Al-Sadd in a decider on Thursday. The club has come very close in the competition in the past few years. They were knocked out in the semi-final stage last time and will be looking to go a step higher this year.

Abderrazak Hamdallah, their top scorer in Asian competitions, was on target against Al-Sadd too and the team will be banking on his services as they progress towards the next rounds. Al-Nassr's long wait to bring home the trophy continues and they will be hoping to break the hoodoo this year under Mano Menezes' leadership.

3. Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

One of the most decorated clubs in Asia, Al-Hilal are once again among the favourites to win the AFC Champions League title in 2021. The Saudi Arabian outfit currently stand second in Group A, level on points with leaders FC Istiklol.

The three-time winners of the competition will aim to establish their dominance in the continent this time. A title triumph will make them the most successful club in the ACL, as they currently share the record with South Korean side Pohang Steelers. Former Swansea City and Olympique Lyon star Bafetimbi Gomis has been a vital cog in their attack so far and the club will continue to rely on his heroics in the further stages.

2. Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea)

Current defending champions Ulsan Hyundai are one of the most feared sides in the AFC Champions League. Although they haven’t kicked off with this edition of the competition yet, their previous record and form in the domestic league is too solid to be ignored.

Standing second in the K League 1, Ulsan Hyundai will begin their AFC Champions League campaign in the coming months. The club have twice been the champions of the competition in the last decade and will be counting on their key stars to make it three this year.

1. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea)

Like their K League 1 counterparts, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors seem to be one of the most formidable teams in the AFC Champions League 2021. The eight-time record champions of the domestic league are en route to their fifth consecutive title and have also set sights on their third ACL win.

South Korean star and former Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic midfielder Kim Bo-kyung is one of their in-form players. Moreover, manager Kim Sang-sik’s side look like one of the most complete squads with promising players in each position. Surely, once they begin their ACL 2021 campaign, Jeonbuk will be the top contenders for the coveted title.

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