ACL2018 Round of 16- Preview 2
Kuala Lumpur: The number of teams in the AFC Champions League has been reduced by half as just three weeks after the completion of the group stage, the remaining sides in the West Zone return for the first leg of the Round of 16 on Monday and Tuesday.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has three sides remaining in the competition, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have two and Saudi Arabia one. Inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain, 2010 winners Zobahan and the last team from the West to lift the trophy, Al Sadd, are among the line-up.
Zobahan (IRN) v Esteghlal (IRN)
An all-Iranian clash between two former continental champions takes place on Tuesday as 2010 champions Zobahan host two-time Asian Club Championship winners Esteghlal.
Zobahan advanced from Group B after a 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv on Matchday Six saw the Isfahan side finish above the Uzbek team due to a better head-to-head record.
Esteghlal, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the competition and qualified from Group D with a game to spare to book a first AFC Champions League meeting with their domestic rivals.
Zobahan (IRN) v Esteghlal (IRN)
Venue: Foolad Shahr Stadium, Isfahan
Kick-off: May 8, 19:15 UTC+4:30
Al Ain (UAE) v Al Duhail (QAT)
Two unbeaten sides in Al Ain and Al Duhail will square off in Al Ain on Tuesday in what promises to be one of the most intriguing match-ups in the Round of 16.
Al Ain drew their first four Group D games but then won their final two as they produced when it mattered once more to return to the knockout rounds.
Al Duhail, meanwhile, were arguably the most impressive team of the group stage as the Qatari side won all six of their Group B games to storm into the last 16 with little fuss.
Ai Ain (UAE) v Al Duhail (QAT)
Venue: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Kick-off: May 8, 20:10 UTC+4
