Australian clubs continue AFC Champions League struggles as Melbourne City and Sydney FC fail to progress

Both Melbourne City and Sydney FC have missed out on qualifying for the AFC Champions League knockout stages.

City, reigning A-League Men champions, needed Vissel Kobe to win their final group match on Sunday to progress as one of the best-ranked second-placed teams.

But despite Vissel going ahead in the 87th minute, their opponents Kitchee equalised in injury-time via former Melbourne Victory player Raul Baena to salvage a 2-2 draw. 

That result meant Melbourne City missed out on progressing by a single point with Kitchee moving through instead. 

Patrick Kisnorbo's side didn't lose any of their six group matches, but three draws, that included conceding an injury-time equaliser, proved costly. 

✨ Raul Baena's golden touch