The stage is set for the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite following the conclusion of the League Stage on Wednesday. The first leg of the Round of 16 ties will be played between March 2 and 4, with the return leg to be contested a week later.
Al Hilal SFC, who topped the West Zone standings unbeaten with a haul of 22 points, will face Al Sadd SC in what will be a meeting of former champions.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal fell at the semi-final stage last season while Qatar’s Al Sadd were quarter-finalists.
Al Ahli Saudi, who finished second in the standings, will face Al Duhail SC in another meeting between sides from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Al Ahli are seeking to defend the title won in resounding fashion last season while Al Duhail are seeking to lift the trophy for a first time.
Tractor FC impressed in the League Stage and they will be determined to not slip up against Shabab Al Ahli.
Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractor finished in third place and after such a strong performance, will fancy their chances against UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli who qualified as the sixth best side.
Al Ittihad Club – the third side from Saudi Arabia to advance – also finished their League Stage campaign on a strong note after starting off with two defeats.
They will face Al Wahda FC and the reigning Saudi Pro League champions will do well to tread with caution as their opponents from the UAE were also comfortable qualifiers for the Round of 16.
FC Machida Zelvia capped their continental debut by topping the East Zone League Stage and the Japanese side will be determined to continue their run.
They will face Gangwon FC, who sealed their spot by the slimmest of margins after finishing ahead of fellow Korea Republic side Ulsan HD FC on goal difference.
Vissel Kobe would have been disappointed at not having topped the East Zone, having led for most of the season but the Japanese side will be more focused on advancing past the Round of 16 after being shown the door at the same stage last season.
They will face FC Seoul and will do well not to underestimate the Korea Republic side who qualified as the seventh placed team.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima ensured all three Japanese sides advanced and they will spare no effort in taking their place in the knockout stage draw.
They will face Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, who will be up for the challenge after defeating Vissel to book their Round of 16 ticket.
Buriram United will face Melbourne City in a meeting between two sides who displayed good form throughout the League Stage.
Australia’s Melbourne won four and drew two after opening their campaign with two defeats while Buriram were a model of consistency as they held their own against the continent’s best sides.
The knockout stage draw for the AFC Champions League Elite is scheduled for March 25 with the centralised Finals, to be contested in Jeddah, to be held from April 16 to 25.
West Zone
Al Sadd SC (QAT) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
Al Duhail SC (QAT) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)
Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) v Tractor FC (IRN)
Al Wahda FC (UAE) v Al Ittihad Club (KSA)
East Zone
Gangwon FC (KOR) v FC Machida Zelvia (JPN)
FC Seoul (KOR) v Vissel Kobe (JPN)
Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)
Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Buriram United (Tha)
(1st Leg: March 3-4; 2nd Leg: March 10-11)
