Domestic rivalries add a new dimension to the AFC Champions League, and throughout the years we have enjoyed some classic at the quarter-final stage. Heroic comebacks, nervy draws and closely fought contests were all present. Interestingly, never have two West Asian sides from the same country met in the competition's quarter-finals. So, here are four times rivals clashed in the last eight in recent years.

By the time the quarter-finals rolled around last year, Omar Abdulrahman led the AFC Champions League scoring race with seven goals but Omar Khrbin eventually won the prize with 10 goals. This year, we have not one, but two players who have already hit nine goals ahead of the quarter-finals; Baghdad Bounedjah and Youssef El Arabi.

While seven-goal man Mame Baba Thiam has swapped Esteghlal for Ajman in the UAE Pro League, two players continue to keep the pressure on the North African duo. Dejan Damjanovic and Kim Shin-wook are both on five goals, but only one of them will advance into the semi-finals as their teams clash in the last eight.

It seems strange that Tariq’s name is still being sprung around as one of Asia most exciting youngsters, for the Iraqi winger seems to have been around forever. But the fact is, the new Esteghlal signing is still just 22 with his best years well ahead of him.

Since its inception in 2002, the AFC Champions League has delivered endless moments of magic. Some of the biggest names in Asian football introduced themselves to the continent through this competition, and amongst them were some mesmerising talents who left a lasting legacy through their playmaking and scoring talents.

From multiple-time winners to record breaking scorers, we celebrate five players who added to the glamour and mystique of the number 10 shirt in the AFC Champions League.

Having won an incredible four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona as part of what was arguably the greatest club side to ever play the game, Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez was a huge coup for Al Sadd when he joined in 2015.

Honda, who retired from international football after Japan's heartbreaking 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia exit in a last-gasp defeat to Belgium, put pen to paper for the 2018/19 season.

"It goes without saying that Keisuke has consistently proven himself at the highest level and we can't wait to see what he can do in Melbourne," said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.

The talismanic 32-year-old, one of the highest profile names in Asian football, had been a free agent since departing Mexican club Pachuca.

"I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I knew they were interested in me one week after the World Cup," he told Fox Sports.

"I really like a new challenge, that's me. I checked a couple of things. Melbourne Victory is the most successful club in the A-League. That's amazing. They became champs many times," he added.

Eight of Asia's biggest club sides are battling for the 2018 AFC Champions League title, and amongst their ranks are some top players hoping to impress their national team managers as we approach the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Some have already shown glimpses of their talents at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, while others are dreaming of one last grand showing before hanging their boots. So let's look at some of the biggest AFC Asian Cup hopefuls featuring in August's AFC Champions League quarter-finals.