Despite a slow start, Al Duhail got the job done in the second half as goals from Medhi Benatia, Youssef El Arabi and substitute Ali Afif ensured the absence of 2019 Asian Cup MVP Almoez Ali was not too keenly felt.

The sides were tied 1-1 at half-time after an even first 45 minutes but the hosts stepped up a gear in the second half to earn the three points.

The home side came racing off the blocks, and nearly got their opening goal within 60 seconds of kick-off. Luiz Junior intercepted the ball in midfield and supplied Shoya Nakajima who advanced down the left and struck from a narrow angle. The Japanese’s shot was saved by Mehdi Rahmati.

Centre-back Ahmed Yasser tested the goalkeeper from distance. His powerful strike seemed destined for the top corner, but Rahmati tipped it behind in the 12th minute.

A superb performance from Daegu FC forward Cesinha in his side's 3-1 debut win away at Australia's Melbourne Victory in their Group F Matchday One clash on Tuesday saw the Brazilian pick up this week's top player plaudit.

Cesinha was directly involved in all of Daegu's goals against Melbourne Victory (three - one goal, two assists); more goal involvements than any other player in the 2019 AFC Champions League opening round.

But the Japanese side were given a stern test by the Malaysian champions, who were making their debut in the group stage of the tournament.

After a scoreless first half against the Iranian side, Benatia headed home the first goal as the hour approached to ease any opening-day nerves, before Youssef El Arabi and substitute Ali Afif both got on the scoresheet as the Qatari champions got off to a perfect start.

For Benatia, who was making his AFC Champions League debut after joining from Juventus, the game brought back memories of when he last faced Iranian opposition, back in June.

Morocco dominated against the Islamic Republic of Iran in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, only to concede deep into stoppage time and suffer an agonising 1-0 defeat.

The two sides had met twice in last year’s group stage, sharing the points in the first leg in Saudi Arabia, while Al Ain emerged 2-1 winners in the UAE.

Al Hilal started strongly and almost found themselves in front within three minutes through Carlos Eduardo. The Brazilian pounced on a loose ball inside the box, but goalkeeper Khaled Eisa made the save.