Match-day 1 of the AFC Champions League took place on February 11 and 12. Japanese sides Vissel Kobe and Yokohama F.Marinos had a great start and snatched the 3 points, while FC Tokyo drew away from home.

Kobe made their ACL debut at home against Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia). Keijiro Ogawa’s first goal in the 13th minute was leveled by Johor’s equalizer. However, Kyogo Furuhashi put Vissel ahead again in the 28th minute. The game ended in a comfortable 5-1 win, with Ogawa scoring a hat-trick.

J.League champions Yokohama F.Marinos kicked off their ACL campaign in South Korea against K-League champions Jeonbuk Hyundai. Keita Endo scored the first goal in the 33rd minute and an own goal extended their lead four minutes later. Limiting the fightback from the home side to a late goal, Yokohama seized a huge 2-1 victory against a tough opponent.

FC Tokyo were also in South Korea the day before for the clash against Ulsan Hyundai. Brazilian striker Diego Oliveira broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, but the K-League side equalized in the 82nd minute through an own goal. With a 1-1 draw, FC Tokyo gained an important point away from home to start their ACL journey.