Late drama in Doha saw a big-name Qatari side exit but there were no such problems for the Tehran giants while another historic Asian side have made a long-awaited return to the knockout rounds. Here's what those involved had to say about it.

Established names have proven themselves, while young talents have emerged in the six matchdays of the group stage. the-AFC.com profiles eight key players who have guided their teams into the next round.

Pakhtakor returned to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010 after topping Group B with 10 points. The annulment of Al Hilal SFC’s results meant Pakhtakor had secured their place in the next round before kicking off their Matchday Six win over Shahr Khodro.

Al Ahli reached the knock-out stage for the eighth time in their history after topping Group A with six points. Following the withdrawal of Al Wahda FSCC and annulment of their results, Al Ahli's 1-0 win over Al Shorta on Matchday Three meant they advanced to the next round with two games to spare, having picked up four points from their first two matches.

Doha: Esteghlal FC's Mehdi Ghaedi has been voted by the fans as the 2020 AFC Champions League Matchday Six Toyota Player of the Week.

Ghaedi, who shone during the Iranian side's 3-0 win over Al Ahli Saudi FC on Matchday Six, was top of OPTA's ratings after he received an impressive 8.6 rating following a goal and an assist in the comprehensive victory for the Tehran giants and the fans agreed.

With six teams having already sealed their places going into Thursday's matches, what was to be decided were the two teams who would advance from Group C and the top two positions in Group D.