Indeed, the similarities between the two matches at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium were striking, yet perhaps unsurprising given how the Qatari side like to control the play and the Iranian giants defend stoutly and aim to hit opponents on the break.

Both sides were looking for their first win of the competition, and that attacking intent resulted in end-to-end action early on. Persepolis were unlucky not to score in the ninth minute after somehow failing to tap the ball in during a goalmouth scramble.

Al Sadd's Akram Afif then saw his curling effort take a deflection and miss the goal by inches. Over at the other end, Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb produced a stunning reflex save to deny Ahmed Noorollahi.

After both teams lost their opening games of the campaign, the match at Azadi Stadium took on extra significance and it was Esteghlal who dominated large spells, eventually going ahead through Farshid Bagheri’s header in the 54th minute.

But the Iranian side continued to miss chances and the longer there remained just one goal in it, the more likely the equaliser became. So it proved as Japan international Tsukasa Shiotani fired into the bottom left corner with five minutes remaining to claim a share of the spoils.

Honda returned to play a club game in Japan for the first time since 2007, but the Osaka-born attacking midfielder was overshadowed at Hiroshima Athletic Stadium by a disciplined performance from last season’s J.League runners-up.

The Thai champions had lost 3-0 at Urawa Red Diamonds on Matchday One while Jeonbuk came into the game on the back of a fine 3-1 victory at home to Beijing FC.

But Supachok’s second-half strike resulted in a reversal of fortune for both sides and put Buriram back on course to compete for a place in the Round of 16 for the second year in a row.

Daegu, playing their first ever home game in the AFC Champions League, could not have picked a more illustrious opponent than the two-time winners and, after both had won their opening fixtures, it was forward Kim who stole the show against the Chinese side.

His inch-perfect cross from the left allowed Brazilian Edgar to volley home midway through the first half, before he found Cesinha, who played in Edgar for Daegu’s second as the interval approached.