The UAE Pro League, meanwhile, saw three teams share the top position after two rounds, Iraq league champions Al Shorta suffered their first defeat this season while league action started in Palestine.

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Two-time winners Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan and China PR's Guangzhou Evergrande are aiming to lift the coveted trophy for an unprecedented third time, while 2011 winners Al Sadd from Qatar and Saudi heavweights Al Hilal will be looking to return Asian football's club crown to the West for the first time in eight years.

When the AFC Champions League was inaugurated in 2002-03, Al Sadd and Al Hilal became the maiden representatives of their respective countries in the competition.

Both sides had already been continental champions, with Al Sadd lifting the Asian Club Championship trophy in 1989 and Al Hilal following suit three years later before adding a second title in 1999-2000.

The two-legged fixtures will kick off on Tuesday and Wednesday with the return legs three weeks later. The two winning sides will progress to the final to be played on November 11 and 24.

We look at four players – one from each of the semi-finalists – who could be key for their respective teams' chances of victory.

Al Jazeera had several chances to put the tie to bed at the Amman International Stadium but allowed Al Ahed to walk away with a goalless draw, leaving next week's return leg enticingly poised.

Al Jazeera had a slight edge over the 90 minutes but another resolute defensive performance from Al Ahed meant the teams couldn't be separated, leaving next week's return leg enticingly poised.

Meanwhile, AGMK and Pakhtakor earned Cup final berths in Uzbekistan, while Sepahan and Tractor maintained their unbeaten records in Islamic Republic Iran.

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