AFC Champions League Elite

Top scorer Cheick Diabate leads Esteghlal into a matchup against Al Hilal in the first round of knocktage stages for the AFC Champions League.

Nagoya Grampus dominated the last round and now host Daegu, who lost twice in group stages to a different Japanese side, Kawasaki Frontale.

Last season's runners-up Persepolis lost once in the prior round and come into the knockout stages as decent favorites against Istiklol.

Tractor are somewhat lucky to make it here after winning only twice in group stages, and now take on Al Nassr, who bowed out in last season's semi-final.

Sharjah topped their group by a point and now take on fellow UAE side Al Wahda, who finished second in their group despite winning their last four matches.

BG Pathum United hope to create a huge upset in knockout stages against favorite Jeonbuk Hyundai, who are looking for their first title since 2016.

Cerezo Osaka allowed two goals in group stages and come in as favorites over three-time champion Pohang Steelers, who haven't made the final since 2009.

Al Wahda needed penalty kicks to advance out of the Round of 16 and won't find things any easier this round against Al Nassr, a top Saudi Arabian club.

Mehdi Torabi's 90th-minute winner has Persepolis in a big spot in the quarter-finals against Al Hilal, who eased past Esteghlal last round.

Pohang Steelers continue their Champions League run against Nagoya Grampus, who used a Jakub Swierczok hat-trick last round to make the quarter-finals.

Both Jeonbuk Hyundai and Ulsan Hyundai needed penalties to advance to the quarter-finals for this Champions League matchup between Korea's best two teams.

Al Hilal haven't conceded a goal in two knockout matches, but they'll be tested against familiar opponent Al Nassr, who scored five in the quarter-final.

Defending champion Ulsan Hyundai take on 2009 champion Pohang Steelers, a South Korean matchup that Ulsan won a month ago in league play.

Follow the Pohang Steelers' journey and interesting moments that led them to the 2021 Champions League final!

A closer look at the top players of Al Hilal SFC.

A closer look at the top players of FC Pohang Steelers.

Al Hilal and Pohang Steelers both have a competition best three AFC Champions League titles and the winner of this one will take over the top spot.

Interview compilation from the match between Al Hilal vs. Pohang Steelers

Watch as the AFC Champions League Group Stage Draw for 2022.

Highlights from the match between Nagoya Grampus vs. Daegu.

Highlights from the match between Sharjah vs. Al Wahda.

Highlights from the match between Jeonbuk Hyundai vs. BG Pathum United.

Highlights from the match between Cerezo Osaka vs. Pohang Steelers.

Highlights from the match between Al Wahda vs. Al Nassr.