Asier Illarramendi has embraced a new challenge this season, representing Kitchee in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) after helping them reclaim the league title last season and earning the title of Hong Kong Footballer of the Year.
Reflecting on his first three ACL2 matches, Illarramendi shared his excitement about competing against diverse Asian teams in authentic away-game environments. "The level is demanding, and the games are highly competitive. You have to stay completely focused because small details can make all the difference, and you need to take your chances when they come," he noted. He also compared the tactical differences between domestic and continental football, explaining that while Kitchee dominates possession against low-block defenses in the Hong Kong Premier League, "the main challenge there is to find space and create chances. In the ACL2, the matches are more balanced, and we have to adapt to different playing styles." Nonetheless, he emphasized that domestic league success remains vital to qualifying for Asia in the first place.
Having captained Real Sociedad for years, Illarramendi recently started as Kitchee’s captain in an away match against Kuching City FC. "It is an honour to wear the armband, but with or without it, my goals remain the same: to help my teammates, share my experience, and lead by example," he said. Looking ahead, he believes Kitchee has the quality to qualify for the knockout stage of the ACL2 by maintaining consistency and defending as a unit. However, he stressed that one priority stands above all else: "Right now, the sole focus is on the next match and securing the three points."
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs Phnom Penh Crown FC in the AFC Champions League Two on November 5, 2026.