The draw saw Islamic Republic of Iran's Foolad and Al Nassr move up to five points, with the Saudis ahead on goal difference. Qatar's Al Sadd climbed to four points after defeating Al Wehdat of Jordan 3-1 in the other Group D tie on Tuesday.

Winless in two prior matches, the Qatari champions clicked into gear with a blistering three-goal burst in the opening 26 minutes, with Baghdad Bounedjah, Boualem Khoukhi and Hassan Al Haydos all getting on the scoresheet before an Ahmad Sameer penalty sparked an Al Wehdat revival late on.

The result lifts Xavi’s Al Sadd to an improved four points from three matches – one behind group leaders Foolad Khouzestan and Al Nassr – while Al Wehdat remain bottom of Group D with one point at the half-way point of their maiden group stage campaign.

Both teams came into their first-ever encounter in the competition on the back of goalless draws in the previous game, with Tractor having also drawn their Matchday One fixture against Pakhtakor and Air Force beaten by group hosts Sharjah on the opening day.

The experienced central defender rose to meet Abdulla Al Karbi’s cross from the right for the club from the United Arab Emirates, who scored three times in the final 24 minutes to overturn a two-goal deficit and pick up their first win of the campaign.

Both are on four points after two matches, with Al Hilal ahead with a better goal difference and a win for either will boost their hopes of winning the group and sealing the sole automatic spot to the Round of 16.

A five-point lead after three matches would mean a hefty advantage in the race for the solitary automatic slot to the Round of 16 and the Islamic Republic of Iran club will fancy their chances after having defeated Iraq's Al Shorta (3-0) and Al Ahli Saudi FC (5-2).

Al Duhail, meanwhile, will have to beat Esteghlal after the Qatar side conceded a stoppage time equaliser to Al Ahli Saudi FC on Matchday Two, having beaten Al Shorta 2-0 in their opener.

Both sides are still in search of their opening win with Iraq's Al Shorta having succumbed to defeats against Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar's Al Duhail SC.

Al Ahli Saudi are in a slightly better position, having salvaged a last gasp draw against Al Duhail on Matchday Two after having succumbed 5-2 to Esteghlal in their opener.