Ahead of the first of two meetings between the best clubs in the East and West of the continent, the-AFC.com kicks off our build-up to the final with a look at some of the key Persepolis players, who could be the ones to watch at Kashima Soccer Stadium on November 3.

Ahead of the first of two meetings between the best clubs in the East and West of the continent, the-AFC.com kicks off our build-up to the final with a look at some of the key Kashima players, who could be the ones to watch at Kashima Soccer Stadium on November 3.

For the third successive home game, Persepolis produced the goods to oust the 2011 winners, while a six-goal thriller in Suwon saw the J.League side ultimately advance. After another two days of gripping drama, the-AFC.com looks back at the week in numbers.

The Islamic Republic of Iran side came into the match with a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Doha, and despite conceding 16 minutes into the game, they kept their composure, remaining disciplined and retaliating through Siamak Nemati's 49th minute strike which was enough to send them into the final.

The Montenegrin created history by going joint-top of the all-time AFC Champions League scoring charts with his 37th continental goal.

It was, however, a bittersweet achievement with Suwon Samsung Bluewings' 3-3 draw not enough to see them progress to the final, losing out to Kashima 6-5 on aggregate.

Damjanovic had four attempts on goal, with his ninth strike of the tournament coming from one shot on target. In addition to his goal, the 37-year-old also created two chances for teammates, earning him a rating of 7.6.

Second in this week’s ranking is Damjanovic's teammate Lim Sang-hyub (below), who was also on target in the roller-coaster tie at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Nemati was the hero at Azadi Stadium on Tuesday as the midfielder volleyed home an equaliser early in the second half to level the scores at 1-1 on the night and, after the Tehran side won the first leg 1-0, his strike proved enough to secure a place in the final against Japan’s Kashima Antlers.

Persepolis will be the first Iranian team to appear in the final since Zobahan in 2010, while Sepahan also played in the showpiece event in 2007, but both sides suffered defeats and, with the competition now in its 16th edition, the Islamic Republic of Iran is still seeking its first title.