Two goals from captain Chimba and one each from Saleh Hardani and Ayanda Patosi saw Foolad score an emphatic 4-0 win over UAE's Al Ain FC at the Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, putting the Iranians in the group stage for the fourth time in their history.

The resounding victory confirmed Foolad as the 20th team in the West Zone group stage, with Nekounam’s side joining Qatar’s Al Sadd SC, Al Wehdat of Jordan and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in Group D of the 2021 AFC Champions League.

Having last appeared in the competition in 2015, the Iranian side return to the AFC Champions League group stage for the fourth time in their history after 2006, 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile Al Ain miss out for only the fourth time after 2008, 2009 and 2012.

A record 40 teams split into 10 groups will take part in the 2021 AFC Champions League as the competition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing Asia's finest teams and numerous world-renowned players.

Having so far looked at the tournament over its first 15 years, we shift the focus to the more recent editions, when there was glory for a trio of powerhouses from Japan, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic.

An intriguing Group D in Riyadh will see Al Wehdat become the first side from Jordan to ever appear in the competition as the Amman club will go up against Qatar's Al Sadd SC, Iranian team Foolad Khouzestan and hosts Al Nassr.

With the opening round of fixtures taking place on Wednesday, the-AFC.com looks at the stadiums, key players and games to keep an eye out for.

In the competition’s expanded format of 40 teams playing in 10 groups, with the group leaders in addition to the top six runners-up qualifying to the Round of 16, competition will be more intense than ever to book a place in the knock-out stage.

One of the West Zone’s most interesting groups will be found in the United Arab Emirates, where Sharjah will welcome Uzbekistan Super League holders FC Pakhtakor, Iranian Cup winners FC Tractor and Air Force Club of Iraq, who sealed their place with a thrilling play-off win earlier this week.

Ahead of Wednesday’s kick-off, allow the-AFC.com to bring you up to speed with the venue, star players and the group’s context.

In the competition’s expanded format of 40 teams playing in 10 groups, with the group winners in addition to the best six runners-up advancing to the Round of 16, competition will be more intense than ever to book a place in the knock-out stages.