Ahead of the first leg of the Asian Champions League final between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Al Ain at Jeonju on Saturday, John McAuley – our man in South Korea – provides details about the Arabian Gulf League's opponents and also key match-ups for the game.
Background Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors are appearing in their third Champions League final having become the first East Asian side to win the title, in 2006 when they defeated Syria's Al Karamah 2-1 on aggregate. Jeonbuk returned to the final five years later, but they lost a penalty shootout to Qatari club Al Sadd. K League Classic champions in 2015, they surrendered their domestic crown to FC Seoul earlier this month. However, they are unbeaten at home in Asia in 11 matches.
Star player – Leonardo The Brazilian winger, signed from AEK Athens in 2012, is the highest paid player in the South Korean top flight. He has excelled in this year's Champions League, especially in the latter stages where he notched seven goals in six matches to take his tally to eight for the tournament. He is the competition's second highest scorer. Usually deployed on the flanks, Leonardo is a set-piece specialist.
Key men
• Kim Hyung-il Jeonbuk's best centre-back, he only recently returned to the team but brings both leadership and experience. A dependable defender who is technically proficient, too.
• Lee Jae-sung – The much-vaunted midfielder has been tipped for a winter transfer to Europe. Excellent technically, has an eye for a killer pass. Now an important cog in South Korean national team.
Manager – Choi Kang-hee Hugely celebrated at Joenbuk, the former international defender led the club to the Champions League trophy in 2006 and four league championships in his first stint, while he was in charge for the 2011 Champions League final defeat. Guided South Korea to the 2014 World Cup before returning to Jeonbuk in 2013.
Form (last six matches) LLDWWL
Al Ain head-to-head The two sides have met once before, in 2004 when Jeonbuk defeated the then-reigning Asian champions in both legs of the quarter-finals, 5-1 on aggregate.
Match-ups
Ricardo Lopes v Mohammed Fayez The pacey Jeonbuk winger may not garner the same headlines as Brazil compatriot Leonardo, but he can be just as effective. Starts on the right, with the capacity to float infield to create havoc. Mohammed Fayez, the Al Ain left-back, has only returned from injury. He will be up against it here.
Lee Myung-joo v Lee Jae-sung A battle between two quality South Korean midfielders, Jeonbuk's Lee has risen to become a firm fan favourite, given his all-round play and his ability to create goals for teammates. Al Ain's Lee is the anchor in front of their defence. He will look to plug any gaps his namesake seeks to exploit. A pivotal duel.
Choi Chul-soon v Omar Abdulrahman Principally a right-back, Choi might well be tasked instead with man-marking in midfield one of Asia's most talented players. Abdulrahman seems to have shaken off a slight back concern, although Al Ain will hope it frees him to provide his usual influence. If so, the in-form Al Ain captain can dictate the match.
JEONBUK ROAD TO FINAL
GROUP STAGE
Jeonbuk 2-1 FC Tokyo
Jiangsu FC 3-2 Jeonbuk
Jeonbuk 2-0 Becamex Binh Duong
Becamex Binh Duong 3-2 Jeonbuk
FC Tokyo 0-3 Jeonbuk
Jeonbuk 2-2 Jiangsu FC
(Jeonbuk top Group E)
LAST 16
Melbourne Victory 1-1 Jeonbuk
Jeonbuk 2-1 Melbourne Victory
(Jeonbuk advance 3-2 on agg)
QUARTER-FINALS
Shanghai SIPG 0-0 Jeonbuk
Jeonbuk 5-0 Shanghai SIPG
(Jeonbuk advance 5-0 on agg)
SEMI-FINALS
Jeonbuk 4-1 FC Seoul
FC Seoul 2-1 Jeonbuk
(Jeonbuk advance 5-3 on aggregate)
AL AIN ROAD TO FINAL
GROUP STAGE
Al Ain 1-2 El Jaish
El Jaish 2-1 Al Ain
Al Ain 1-0 Al Ahli (KSA)
Al Ahli (KSA) 1-2 Al Ain
Nasaf 1-1 Al Ain
Al Ain 2-0 Nasaf
(Al Ain finish second in Group D)
LAST 16
Al Ain 1-1 Zobahan
Zobahan 0-2 Al Ain
(Al Ain advance 3-1 on agg)
QUARTER-FINALS
Al Ain 0-0 Lokomotiv
Lokomotiv 0-1 Al Ain
(Al Ain advance 1-0 on agg)
SEMI-FINALS
Al Ain 3-1 El Jaish
El Jaish 2-2 Al Ain
(Al Ain advance 5-3 on agg)
Also from John McAuley in South Korea:
Big interview: Lee Myung-joo's target before home return
Zlatko Dalic: Biggest match of Al Ain players' careers
Choi Kang-hee: Defeat will affect Jeonbuk players, says manager
Comment: Al Ain players will do well to play match, not final
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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