Reigning Liga 1 Indonesia champions Persib Bandung have been drawn against Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC in the round of 16 of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two, following the conclusion of the knockout stage draw on December 30.
The winner of the tie will advance to a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against either Japan’s Gamba Osaka or South Korea’s Pohang Steelers, who are set to face each other in an all-heavyweight round of 16 encounter.
Having topped their group, Persib will enjoy the advantage of hosting the second leg at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on February 18, with the first leg scheduled for February 11 at Ratchaburi’s Dragon Solar Park.
The matchup also carries a sense of familiarity. Prior to the ACL Two draw, Persib and Ratchaburi crossed paths during the Maung Bandung’s pre-season training camp in Thailand, playing out a 2–2 draw at Dragon Solar Park.
With that recent meeting still fresh, Persib head into the tie with quiet confidence. A star-studded squad expected to be further strengthened in the mid-season transfer window, broadly comparable squad quality between the two sides, and Persib’s encouraging recent record against Thai opposition have bolstered belief among the Maung Bandung faithful that their side can overcome the Dragons.
Elsewhere in the East Zone, Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội were drawn against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers, while Thai heavyweights True Bangkok United were paired with Australia’s Macarthur FC.
In the West Zone, tournament favorites Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia were handed a tie against Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag, the self-proclaimed “best football club in the world.” Iranian giants Esteghlal will face Jordan’s Al-Hussein, while fellow Iranian side Sepahan were drawn in a mouth-watering clash against Qatar’s Al Ahli. Rounding out the draw, Iraq’s Al-Zawraa will take on Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates.