Yokohama F. Marinos Looking to Make AFC Champions League History Against Suwon Samsung Bluewings

Doha, December 06 (QNA) - Yokohama F. Marinos hope to reach the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in their history when they face two-time semi-finalists Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. In their fourth appearance in the competition, and the first since 2014, Yokohama F. Marinos have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history under the guidance of Australian head coach Ange Postecoglou who hopes to become the first manager to be crowned Asian champion at national and club levels, having led the Socceroos to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup title at home. The 2019 J1 League champions got their 2020 AFC Champions League campaign off to a blistering start, winning three in a row to put themselves atop Group H. A 2-1 defeat to Shanghai SIPG was merely a blip for the Yokohama side who bounced back with a 4-1 thumping of Korea Republic champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to seal the top spot with a game to spare. In the absence of important players such as Adam Taggart and Yeom Ki-hun, versatile midfielder Kim Min-woo has been the key cog in coach Park's attacking machine. The 30-year-old sent 71 passes ending in the final third, seven more than any other player in the squad. He also created nine chances and delivered 15 crosses, both second highest for Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Suwon Samsung Bluewings' last appearance in the AFC Champions League knock-out stage was against Japanese opponents two years earlier, as they lost the 2018 semi-final to eventual champions Kashima Antlers 6-5 on aggregate. (QNA)