Douglas Costa set to start for Sydney FC on a continental stage that could secure the Sky Blues millions of dollars

Sydney FC is intent on growing its ‘brand’ and ‘reputation’ throughout Asia with good performances that will also reward the Sky Blues financially.

Star recruit Douglas Costa is set to start for Sydney FC on Thursday night when the Sky Blues embark on an continental journey that could earn them more than $8 million.

The Sydneysiders host Hong Kong outfit Eastern SC in Group E AFC Champions League Two clash at Jubilee Stadium, with Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay confirming on Wednesday that Brazilian winger Costa would play from the opening whistle in his competitive debut for his new club.

“He’s in a good place at the moment,” Talay said of the former Juventus and Bayern Munich star.

“Is he fully match fit? Probably not, but with what he gives us at the moment, he’ll definitely do a good job.

“We’ll push him as far as he can go. We’ll review it as the game goes on, whether he comes off or whether he stays on the park, but I’m very happy so far with what he’s been doing.

“He’s a great professional. He’s fantastic in the change-room. He’s lifted a lot of spirits and a lot of expectations at the same time in the group.”

Douglas Costa brings the samba flair to 🇦🇺 Sydney FC as they gear up for their #ACLTwo campaign 🇧🇷 💙 ⚽

Get ready for some Brazilian magic! ✨ pic.twitter.com/yMxR4A97yw

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) September 17, 2024

Sydney chief executive officer Mark Aubrey said increased prize pools in Asian club competitions were a “real added incentive” for A-League clubs to perform well on the continental stage.

The AFC Champions League Two winning cheque is $US3.2 million, which converts $A4.7 million.

Teams also earn money for winning matches along the way to the final.

“There’s a huge financial windfall that’s game-changing for clubs,” Aubrey said.

“We’re super excited about our team this season and putting a squad together that can compete in Asia. If you happen to be successful then there are really strong financial benefits.”

Aubrey said Sydney FC wanted to grow its “brand” and “reputation” to become known as “one of the biggest clubs in Asia”.

“Sydney’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, and if you think about the world’s great football clubs, they build reputations that transcend their domestic market,” he said.

Meanwhile, a new-look Central Coast Mariners side has tasted defeat in its opening AFC Champions League Elite clash, losing 3-1 to Chinese club Shandong Taishan.

Fielding just four players that started in their 3-1 A-League grand final win over Melbourne Victory in May, the Mariners – who won the treble last season, including the AFC Cup – fell short on Tuesday night at the Jinan Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Shandong went ahead in just the eighth minute through Bi Jinhao, who headed home a cross from Li Yuanyi past new Mariners goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic.

Central Coast’s Brazilian star Mikael Doka equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Li fouled Mariners midfielder Bradley Tapp.

Doka and teammate Ryan Edmondson were booked after the goal was scored as tempers flared between the teams.

Shandong regained control of the contest after half-time, with goals from Georgian midfielder Valeri Qazaishvili in the 74th and 88th minutes securing the hosts the three points.

The Mariners’ next clash in the Champions League Elite competition – which has a winner’s cheque of $US10 million ($A14.7 million) – is on October 1 at Central Coast Stadium against Thai club Buriram United.

Originally published as Douglas Costa set to start for Sydney FC on a continental stage that could secure the Sky Blues millions of dollars