Four places have already been decided as Shandong Luneng, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors all secured a spot in the knockout stages a fortnight ago.

But four tickets to the last 16 still remain up for grabs for the teams from the East Zone, with some exciting encounters set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

With seven out of the eight round-of-16 West sides already confirmed, the final matchday will see clubs battle for the top spot in their respective groups.

The race for the Saudi Pro League title went down to the wire, with Al Hilal chasing their third title in a row and needing a win against Al-Shabab, provided Al Nassr slipped up against Al Batin - to seal the title.

A brace from playmaker Igor Coronado in each half on top of a Welliton strike was enough for Sharjah to claim domestic honours in almost a quarter of a century, while Leonardo da Silva and Sebastian Tagliabue were on target for Al Wahda.

Sharjah cannot be caught by second-placed Shabab Al Ahli because of their superior head-to-head record. The Dubai side sit three points off the summit with the final round of fixtures to be played on Saturday.

Brazilian winger Edmilson was Al Duhail's star, scoring a brace and assisting another as Duhail denied Al Sadd the chance to add the Amir Cup to the 2018-19 Qatar Stars League title they had already won.

Defeat meant a losing end for Spanish legend Xavi, who was playing his final match for Al Sadd.

Heading into the final matchday, Persepolis had recorded four back-to-back draws and needed a win to secure the title.

After a tight opening, Croatian forward Mario Budimir found the back of the net four minutes from the break as Persepolis held on to clinch their 12th league title.

History-makers, baby-cradlers, hard-workers and hulking strikers all feature as the-AFC.com talks to those involved in the latest edition of the Continent's most presitigious competition.