Junior Negrao struck the only goal of the game when 2012 winners Ulsan defeated Shanghai SIPG 1-0 in Korea Republic on Matchday Two as they moved a point clear at the top of the standings.

Since their last appearance on the continent, Ulsan have won three and drawn one in K League 1, with Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Sangju Sangmu consolidating their position at the summit.

A recent poor run that included a defeat to bitter rivals Persepolis was not the ideal preparation for a difficult-looking Group C clash against Saudi Arabia powerhouse Al Hilal, but Tehran giants Esteghlal rose to the occasion to secure a priceless win - their first of the 2019 edition - and stay in contention in the race for the Round 16.

An Edgar Silva brace and a goal from Kim Dae-won helped Daegu defeat two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande 3-1 on Matchday Two as they followed up their victory by the same scoreline over Melbourne Victory in perfect style.

The visitors go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Seongnam FC on Saturday that leaves them in fifth position in K League 1 ahead of the double header against Sanfrecce.

The two-time champions defeated Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their opening game, but suffered a 3-1 loss to Daegu FC on Matchday Two to leave them three points adrift of the Korea Republic side.

Guangzhou maintained their perfect start to the Chinese Super League season on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over city rivals Guangzhou R&F, making it four wins from four as they kept pace with table-toppers Beijing FC.

Al Hilal had won both their previous two matches, while Esteghlal came into the tie bottom of Group A with just one point.

Esteghlal wasted no time in taking the game to their opponents. Ayanda Patosi’s cross from the left was met by the head of Esmael Goncalves inside 25 seconds, but the Bissau-Guinean failed to direct his effort towards goal.

Despite controlling two-thirds of possession throughout, the Qatari side were profligate in front of goal. Al Ain goalkeeper Khaled Eisa was on top form, helping his side limit the damage at the back while their front line took two of the three chances that came their way.

Al Duhail got off to a flying start with Edmilson forcing Eisa into a reflex save within just three minutes of the start. The Brazilian received a cross-field pass and cut inside onto his left before firing low, but Eisa dived to parry the ball away.

Groups E and G are first up when the eight sides take to the field on Tuesday, before the remaining teams in Groups F and H follow suit a day later.