"We feel like we are alive in the tournament again. We knew it was going to be a tough, important game because they are the team at the top of the group and we really needed these three points.”

Esteghlal captain Pejman Montazeri played up the significance of his side’s 2-1 victory over Al Hilal in Group C as the Iranian side moved within two points of their opponents.

“We benefit a lot from him. Today, he played a huge game and scored two great goals, and to be honest, this is Xavi, you expect him to do that.”

Hamid Ismaeil was full of praise for Xavi Hernandez after the skipper scored twice in Al Sadd’s 2-2 draw against Pakhtakor on Tuesday.

"I think we played some good football and created some good chances. It’s always a pleasure to score a goal but for me the most important is the three points and to win the game."

Marouane Fellaini was happy to open his AFC Champions League account but insisted the three points was the most important thing after Shandong Luneng’s 2-1 win over Johor Darul Ta’zim.

“It is a huge point to get at Al Duhail’s ground. They are a big team with lots of talent throughout their ranks, so we are happy with it.”

A draw away to Al Duhail was an excellent result, claimed Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa after his team came from two down to salvage a point.

"At the end of the day, we and our opponents created many chances, and we both scored three goals, so I have to say that it’s a fair result for each team.”

Shanghai SIPG ‘s Yu Hai reflected on a thrilling 3-3 draw between the Chinese side and Sydney FC in Australia in what was the highest-scoring game of the week.

“It is a very difficult group. Pakhtakor have five points, Al Sadd have four and Al Ahli have three. These were three important points that returned us to the race for qualification.”

Persepolis’s 2-0 victory over Al Ahli on Tuesday has put them back in the hunt for knockout round qualification, according to midfielder Bashar Resan.

“You can’t afford to make mistakes because they have that quality, especially in the final third of the field, where they can really take control of the game and even against the run of play they can punish you.”

Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri on his side’s performance in the 4-0 defeat to Guangzhou Evergrande that means the Australian team are still seeking their first point in Group F.

“We showed it in the first two games and today in the second half. The challenge for us is to try to improve and maintain this level. We have to look to play like this throughout the whole game and not just for one half."

Johor Darul Ta'zim captain Hariss Harun said his team must show consistency across 90 minutes after their 2-1 defeat to Shandong Luneng kept them bottom of the Group E standings.