Machida Zelvia vs Al Ittihad Preview & Prediction | 2025-25 AFC Champions League Elite | Quarter-Final

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Machida Zelvia are debutants in the AFC Champions League an they are preparing for a surprise quarter-final against reigning Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad this week.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Paramount+

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Paramount+

Machida Zelvia vs Al Ittihad prediction

Machida Zelvia produced an upset to even qualify for the 2025/26 AFC Champions League and they have performed well on the continent. Domestically, they have suffered two defeats in their opening 11 matches as they sit third in the J1 League.

They now face an Al Ittihad side that, under the management of former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao, managed to edge past Qatari outfit Al Wahda in a dramatic quarter-final with Fabinho scoring a winning penalty deep into stoppage-time at the end of the second-half of extra-time the other day.

Al Ittihad have struggled for any form or fluency throughout the campaign and Machida Zelvia will attempt to play into that as a difficult to defeat side and so a low-scoring encounter seems quite likely for this last eight clash.

Machida Zelvia vs Al Ittihad tip: Under 2.5 goals