Confirmation of an extra spot in Asian competition for Australian clubs next season has added spice to the final day of the A-League regular season on Sunday.
It was confirmed on Friday night that the AFC Champions League Elite would expand from 24 to 32 teams for the 2026-27 competition.
As premiership winners, the Newcastle Jets have already secured a Champions League Elite berth.
And with the competition’s expansion, the next highest finisher on the A-League table that is eligible to play in Asia will secure a spot in a playoff, in which the winner will earn a Champions League Elite berth.
It’s understood that the loser of the playoff will still be guaranteed Asian football in the AFC Champions League Two competition.
Heading into Sunday’s A-League action, three teams – Adelaide United, Sydney FC and Melbourne City – can secure the Champions League Elite playoff spot.
Auckland FC, currently second on the A-League table, is ineligible to compete in Asia due to being from New Zealand, which is part of the Oceania Football Confederation.
Of the three teams eligible to secure the Asian playoff berth, Adelaide is in the best position, being two points ahead of Sydney FC and Melbourne City.
Should Adelaide therefore beat Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Sunday night, the Reds will grab the playoff spot.
However, a draw would unlock the playoff door for Sydney FC if the Sky Blues can beat Auckland at Allianz Stadium in Sunday’s early game.
But if the Sydneysiders draw or lose their game, City can advance to the Asian playoff by beating Adelaide.
There also remain a chance that a third A-League club will qualify for Asia as NPL Victoria club Heidelberg United – the Australia Cup runners-up to Newcastle – is no guarantee to gain admission into the AFC Champions League Two competition,
“There’s a lot on the line,” Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar said as the chance to host matches during next month’s finals series is also up for grabs.
“Now we’ve cemented our position in the top six, it’s another important game in terms of trying to get third spot to get a home final.”
Adelaide coach Airton Andrioli said his team realised the “importance” of Sunday night’s battle.
“Preparation has been very good for us. We’re ready to get a result,” said Andrioli, whose team could also have the chance to secure second spot on the ladder – and the opening weekend of the finals series off – if Sydney beats Auckland.
Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo said the Sky Blues could only “control what we do”.
“(We) play the way we want to play, and I think the rest will take care of itself,” Kisnorbo said.
“It’s (about) taking our chances in the right way, in the right position of the ground, and building on that.”
