"Everyone on the team knows that if they want the win, they need to fight until the last minute and this is what we did today."

Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira hailed his side's fighting spirit after after the Qatari side secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor on Monday.

"When I got the ball, the only thing in my head was to attack. I saw [Graziano] Pelle and my instinct was to get the ball to him and he was able to put it away."

Forward Song Wenjie's direct approach helped Shandong Luneng move top of Group E following a 1-0 victory over Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta’zim on Wednesday.

“All we can do is focus on our games but obviously it helps that the results have sort of gone our way as well. It’s a big game against Ulsan away and then there’s the home game against Kawasaki.”

Sydney FC striker Adam Le Fondre believes the A-League side still have all to play for after the 2-2 draw at Shanghai SIPG.

"Perhaps if we were a bit more clinical we could have taken all three points, but I have no problems with our attack. Our forward line are doing very well and most importantly we are creating opportunities to score."

Al Ittihad coach José Luis Sierra is unconcerned by his team's profligacy in Tashkent, as the Saudi side were only able to convert one of their 20 shots on goal in the 1-1 draw with PFC Lokomotiv.

"It's the first AFC Champions League season for me as I made my Continental debut just last month. So, it's a great chance to get more experience, while I could improve my skills game by game."

Lokomotiv 'keeper Javohir Ilyosov is taking part in his debut campaign, and relishing the chance to play at Continental club football's highest level.

"To be honest, I was surprised to score four times! But I am so pleased with the result as our team showed we can play. I am very happy we won the game and I could score these goals – it was very important for me and my teammates."

Al Wahda's Leonardo reflects on a magical night of AFC Champions League football as his quadruple saw the Emirati side edge Qatar's Al Rayyan 4-3.

"We tried, we fought, and did all we could to score, so I have to say I'm happy with the team for the effort we put in. We had a very good first half, but the game changed when we conceded a penalty."

Defender Andres Tunez remains upbeat following Buriram United's defeat at Beijing FC, after the Thai club put in a battling performance in the Chinese capital.

"We had to win today to qualify for the knockout stage, but we couldn't keep our concentration for 90 minutes and made many mistakes. That’s very disappointing for us, as was the end result.”

Kashima Antlers midfielder Ryota Nagaki admitted that the AFC Champions League holders were far from their best as they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Korea Republic’s Gyeongnam FC.