Needing a win on the night to advance as one of the best three runners-up, the Japanese side fell behind almost instantly to Gustavo’s successful penalty but levelled just after time thanks to a thumping volley from Patric.

Patric’s strike was one of nine Gamba shots at goal in the second half and it came after the Brazilian forward himself had squandered earlier opportunities, all of which came back to haunt Matsunami’s side when Jeonbuk substitute Modou Barrow scored the match-winning goal in the 88th minute.

After 60 thrilling matches played in Bangkok, Buriram and Tashkent, the AFC Champions League (East) Group Stage came to a close with eight teams joining the West Zone's Round of 16 cast.

The victory meant Ulsan Hyundai finished with six wins out of six to top Group F and seal a Round of 16 showdown with Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale.

BG Pathum United, who also advanced as one of the three best runners-up, will face two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the Round of 16.

Caique’s second half goal - scored after Kaya lost two players in the space of two minutes - proved the difference as Vietnam's Viettel - in their maiden AFC Champions League campaign - finished third in Group F with six points, while the Philippines side ended their debut campaign without a point.

Four different players got on the scoresheet for Daegu, whose 12 points saw them advance as one of the three best runners-up in the East Zone, with Japan's Nagoya Grampus - the Group G winners - their Round of 16 opponents.

Already eliminated before Matchday Six, United City’s maiden AFC Champions League group stage campaign came to an end with a third-place finish thanks largely to Thursday’s 3-2 win over Beijing FC.

Up next for Kawasaki Frontale are Ulsan Hyundai FC, with the defending champions finishing top of Group F following a 2-0 win over Thailand's BG Pathum United on Sunday.

An evenly matched first half saw the two sides go into the break level after Tampines Rovers goalkeeper Zulfairuz Rudy saved Bill’s penalty. Fitness favoured Chiangrai United as they produced three goals in the final 15 minutes to settle the tie.

With both sides having been eliminated prior to the game, the result meant the Thai side finished the group in third place with eight points; a three-point and one place improvement from their campaign last year, while Tampines Rovers bowed out in fourth place with no points on their debut in the competition.