In 2016, Shanghai Seaport made its debut at the top of the AFC Champions League, signing two strong reinforcements in Eickson and Hulk, only to lose to Jeonbuk Hyundai in the quarterfinals with a total score of 0:5, and regretfully bid farewell.
The following year, Shanghai Seaport beat city rivals Guangzhou Evergrande on penalties in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League, but lost the semifinals to Urawa Red Diamonds by a combined score of 1:2, and ultimately ended up in the semifinals despite the introduction of Oscar. This is the highest achievement of Shanghai Harbour in the AFC Champions League.
In 2018, Shanghai Seaport failed to advance in the 1/8 finals after losing to Kashima Antlers 3:4 on aggregate.
In 2019, Shanghai Seaport drew 3:3 with Urawa Red Diamonds in the quarterfinals, but went out due to an away goal disadvantage.
In 2021, Shanghai Seaport lost 0:1 at home to Filipino side Kaya in the AFC Champions League play-offs, and despite fielding an all-substitutes line-up, were unable to compete further.
In the 2022-23 season, Shanghai Seaport chose to strategically abandon the tournament and ended up at the bottom of the group.
In the 2023-24 season, Shanghai Seaport lost to Thai Premier League side Pathum United at home three times and once again missed out on the AFC Champions League.
This season, Shanghai Seaport is the favorite to win both the Chinese Super League and the FA Cup in the league, but it is exciting to see if they can go even further on the AFC Champions League stage.
Shanghai Harbour vs Johor Bahru, Nature of Match: East Asia Zone 1st Round AFC Elite League
Competition time: September 18, 20:00
In the 2024-25 AFC Elite League, Shanghai Seaport will face Johor Bahru (home), Pohang Ironmen (away), Central Coast Mariners (home), Kawasaki Frontale (away), Ulsan Hyundai (away), Gwangju FC (home), Kobe Victory Boat (away), and Yokohama Mariners (home) in that order. Eight matches, eight opponents, including three Japanese teams, three Korean teams, an Australian Super Team and a Malaysian team, make for some stiff competition.
Johor Bahru have dominated the Malaysian Premier League, winning the title for the tenth consecutive time and are known as the "Bayern Malay Premier League". This season, they lead the way with nine wins, eight draws and one loss, 25 points ahead of second-placed Selangor, and are expected to continue their domination.
Johor Bahru are worth €12.05 million and have a host of foreigners and top scorer Bergeson, a 33-year-old Brazilian striker from Gremio.
The two teams have zero historical encounters, Shanghai Harbor has a superior lineup and is expected to open the new season of the AFC Champions League with a small victory in the home game.
