Today (September 12) marks two years to the day since the Chinese giants clashed in one of the most dramatic second-leg encounters in the competition’s history on a truly memorable night at theTianhe Stadium. The-AFC.com looks back at how events unfolded.

Pereira’s side trailed at halftime to goals from Tomoaki Makino and Shinzo Koroki, but a pair of penalties from Brazilian striker Hulk salvaged a draw for the home side to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the last four when the teams reconvene at Saitama Stadium on September 17.

Guangzhou were held to a 0-0 draw by Go Oiwa’s side on Wednesday, meaning a 1-1 in Japan on September 18 would be enough for the two time champions to advance to the semi-finals for the third time in eight appearances in the competition.

But while the Italian knows a result of that nature will see his team advance at the defending champions’ expense, he still plans to go for the win at Kashima Soccer Stadium.

Whether on international duty, jetting off far and wide or simply enjoying some downtime with their families, the players still involved in the Continental competition have remained active on social media, though. Here's the-AFC.com's look at some of the highlights.

While Elkeson has starred for the Guangdong club in the Chinese Super League since returning following a three-and-a-half year stint with Shanghai SIPG, the first leg of the quarter-final against the holders on Wednesday was his first game back on the Continent. 

But, after an entertaining first half in front of a sea of red at Tianhe Stadium, the game petered out somewhat after the interval as Guangzhou failed to record a victory at home for the first time this campaign and the Brazil-born forward endured a quiet night.

At half-time, Shanghai SIPG were facing the end of their proud unbeaten home record that had stretched to 19 matches in the AFC Champions League.

Two goals down after an early strike from Tomoaki Makino and Shinzo Koroki's sixth of the tournament on the half hour mark, the Chinese Super League side's best-laid plays looked in disarray after defensive errors.

But with a front three of Hulk, Marko Arnautovic and Oscar, the hosts had the firepower to come back into the tie following the interval.

Rollercoaster matches, tense and taught ties, and the 'Saudi Clasico' saw the 2019 quarter-finals kick off in fine style with the first leg fixtures. Here's what those involved had to say in the immediate aftermath.