Melbourne City will play our first competitive home fixture of the season when we kick off our AFC Champions League Elite campaign against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Tuesday night.
Aurelio Vidmar’s men return to Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for the first time since their A-League Men’s Grand Final triumph earlier this year, looking to launch the 2025/26 campaign on a positive note.
There’s plenty to keep an eye on when we step back onto home turf – here are some of the major talking points.
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Starting our continental campaign on the right note
City returns to Asia’s top tier for the first time since the restructure, with the competition now rebranded as the AFC Champions League Elite.
Despite losing just once across our two previous appearances, City fell agonisingly short of the knockout stages on both occasions. To change that this time around, making the most of our home fixtures – starting with Matchday 1 – will be absolutely crucial.
With a demanding group stage ahead, three points on Tuesday would set the tone for the campaign and build momentum before we hit the road for our first away trip.
The task won’t be an easy one, with Hiroshima currently mid-season and sitting sixth in the J1 League.
New faces to watch
Tuesday not only marks our homecoming, but it could also provide City fans with a first glimpse at several new arrivals.
Liam Bonetig has been in from day one of pre-season and may be in line to feature, while Japanese forward Takeshi Kanamori has now had a few weeks to settle in and could make his City debut.
Our newest signing Elbasan Rashani only touched down in Melbourne late last week, and Vidmar confirmed to media on Monday that he won’t feature against Sanfrecce, but he’s certainly one for City fans to keep an eye out for on Matchday 2.
We may also see a sprinkling of Academy talent on the teamsheet, with City’s VPL1 promotion-winning side producing a host of exciting young players. A number of them have already had senior debuts, including in last month’s Australia Cup Round of 32.
Fresh kits unveiled
Last week, we launched two striking new PUMA kits to be worn in this year’s AFC competitions by both our Men’s and Women’s squads.
Tuesday night will be the first chance to see them in action under the lights at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Fans can shop the new kit online now, with both kids also available to purchase at the stadium on matchday.
Fixture Details
AFC Champions League Elite: Matchday 1
Melbourne City v Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Tuesday 12 September
5:45pm KO
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
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