Kashima Antlers thrash Newcastle Jets 7-1 in ACL Elite

Kashima Antlers FC returned to the Asian club stage with a commanding 7-1 victory over Australia's Newcastle Jets FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 on Tuesday. Forward Aleksandar Cavric scored a first-half hat-trick in the emphatic win.

Cavric, 31, was central to the dominant display from the 2018 champions. He found the net three times before the break as Kashima made a statement in their first continental match of the new campaign.

Cavric credits coach for scoring form

"We bounced back and the way we played in the first half, it's the best this season," said Cavric. The striker highlighted the mental importance of the result for a team facing a congested fixture list. He also credited head coach Toru Oniki for his current form, stating the manager's utilization of him has been key. "From the beginning of this season, I have felt quite good with the way the head coach has utilised me and I was able to get the goals," Cavric explained. "This is very important for me as a striker as this was a problem in the past."

Qualification is achieved via domestic league and cup performance.

Oniki praises response after domestic struggles

Head coach Toru Oniki expressed his delight with the performance, which came after a challenging run in Japan's J1 League. "The first game of the competition was very exciting but nervous at the same time," Oniki admitted. "In the league we have lost a few games in a row but the players showed today their passion on the pitch and did their job."

He attributed the success to thorough preparation and execution. The team analyzed Newcastle Jets and focused on implementing their own style of play effectively during the match.

Milligan accepts responsibility for heavy defeat

Newcastle Jets head coach Mark Milligan shouldered the blame for the heavy loss. "When I look at the game and result - the result is fully my responsibility," Milligan stated. He described the match as a difficult but important lesson for his A-League Men side, who play their home games primarily at AAMI Park.

Milligan acknowledged his team was outplayed by a superior, battle-ready opponent. "We didn't start with the intensity and intent that we needed and from then, it was very difficult to come back against a team of this quality," he said. He refused to make excuses, vowing his team would improve from the experience.

The result sets up a challenging second matchday for both clubs. Newcastle Jets face another stern test against Gamba Osaka, the reigning AFC Champions League Two winners. Kashima Antlers, meanwhile, will travel to Vietnam to face Cong An Ha Noi FC.