PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab congratulates Adelaide United on qualifying for the AFC Champions League Final. Schwab said, “Adelaide United has been superb throughout their campaign in the AFC Champions League, the premier club tournament in Asia. Their achievement has marked another significant breakthrough for Australian football in Asia.”
“The PFA wishes Adelaide United all the best over the two legs in the Champions League final against Gamba Osaka in their quest for the title to become champions of Asia.”
By advancing into the final of the AFC Champions League, Adelaide becomes the first Australian team to advance to this stage of the prestigious tournament.
Despite the 1-0 defeat against Uzbekistan side Kuruvchi in Tashkent, Adelaide advanced into the final 3-1 on aggregate courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 win at home in Hindmarsh Stadium from the first leg. The Reds will now face Japanese side Gamba Osaka in the final after Gamba defeated defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 away from home at the Saitama Stadium.
Adelaide has also qualified for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, which consists of the champion clubs from each continent. This is due to the fact that the FIFA Club World Cup will be hosted by Japan, which means the host country is already set to have a team participating in the tournament.
Gamba will host the first leg of the final on 5 November while the second leg will take place in Adelaide one week later on 12 November.
