While others might see the Asian Champions League as a distraction, Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat certainly does not.

The first-season coach has embraced the challenge and says he and his team are very much looking forward to the visit of Korean side Jeonbuk Motors to Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Up for the challenge: Victory coach Kevin Muscat. Credit:Ken Irwin

Victory have weathered a storm of injuries, suspensions and international call-ups to defy expectations of an ACL-inspired mid-season fade-out to be third on the A-League table.

After a first-up 4-2 away loss to Guangzhou Evergrande, Muscat knows two home ACL matches in a week will determine whether the Victory can sustain their Asian aspirations or if they return to concentrate on domestic matters.