Melbourne City continue their ACL Elite campaign on Tuesday evening when they face J1 League side Machida Zelvia in Japan.
Aurelio Vidmar’s side currently sit ninth on the ACL Elite ladder, a point outside the crucial top eight qualification places following their first win of this season’s competition in Matchday 3.
Despite going a goal down against Thai giants Buriram United at AAMI Park last time out, Vidmar’s side rallied to secure a vital victory thanks to late goals from Elbasan Rashani and Max Caputo.
CLICK HERE TO BECOME AN A-LEAGUES CLUB MEMBER TODAY!
Now, though, they bid to do something they haven’t been able to do so far in this season’s competiton, and that’s defeat a Japanese side.
Beaten 2-0 at home in Matchday 1 by J1 League side Sanfreece Hiroshima, City then suffered another loss in Matchday 2, this time losing 1-0 to Vissel Kobe care of a 94th minute goal.
CATCH-UP: Four A-Leagues stars picked for All Whites’ World Cup tune-up against South American might
“We think we face a very difficult game,” said Vidmar, when speaking at his pre-game press conference in Tokyo.
“Machida, obviously, (in their) first campaign in the Champions League, are doing very well. They’ve had a very strong season again this year in the J League.
“So we’re facing a big challenge, but it is a big challenge that we need to face with aggression and be ready for a difficult game.”
Initially flying near the top of the J1 League, Machida now find themselves sixth on the ladder, having recorded just one league win in their last five matches.
However, despite their patchy domestic form, Vidmar is anticipating a tough test against a side currently sat undefeated in this year’s ACL Elite and sat fourth on the ladder.
CITY NEWS: Alessandro Diamanti departs Melbourne City after historic feat as academy head coach: Details
Likely to feature at some point against the reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions will be CommBank Socceroos striker Mitch Duke.
“We know the strengths of Machida, and always when you play away from home, it’s always difficult,” said Vidmar.
“But like I said before, we definitely have been growing in this competition every game that we play. We’re getting better, we’re getting stronger.
“Of course, we are missing some key players, but we have all the faith and the trust in the players who are going to play that they’re going to represent themselves and the club in the best possible way.
He added: “So we understand it’s a very strong opponent, but we have to be ready. And if we are ready, especially mentally, prepare mentally always for us, then we’ll have a good night.”
Likely to feature at some point against the reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions will be CommBank Socceroos striker Mitch Duke.
TALKING POINTS: Coach’s incredible assessment of rising star’s ‘awesome’ performance
Joining Machida in 2023, Duke has played a key role in not only helping his side gain promotion to the J1 League, but also helping them defy expectations and challenge in the Japanese top flight.
Duke has so far featured in 23 league matches this season, bagging two goals, whilst he’s also played in all three of Machida’s ACL Elite matches.
How to watch
You can watch Melbourne City’s ACL Elite campaign LIVE via Paramount+ in 2025-26.
Machida Zelvia v Melbourne City
Matchday 4 – AFC Champions League Elite
Tuesday, November 4 2025
Machida Stadium
Kick-off: 9pm AEDT
