Almoez Ali's header was the difference as Al Duhail hosted Persepolis two weeks ago, a ninth win on the trot meant the Qatari side equalled the record for most consecutive wins in a single AFC Champions League campaign.

For Persepolis, the result takes them into familiar territory, having to overturn a one-goal deficit at Azadi Stadium just as they did against Al Jazira in the previous round, although this time they did not manage to score in the away first leg.

Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Kashima Antlers and Suwon Samsung Bluewings are well placed ahead of the fixtures, but there remains all to play for as Esteghlal, Persepolis, Tianjin Quanjian and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors look to come back from first-leg deficits.

Midfielder Boudiaf missed the first leg, which Al Duhail won 1-0, and the skipper's return from knee surgery is just what the Qatar club need in what is sure to be a massive test for them in the imposing Azadi Stadium.

Al Duhail are chasing an AFC Champions League record of 10 consecutive wins but in Persepolis, they will face a side who have a perfect record of four home wins in the Continent's premier club tournament this season.

The first leg of the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals produced two wins for the home sides and as many for visitors. But the competition's history shows the four winners there can be no room for complacency following a first leg victory.

The quarter-finals were introduced in the AFC Champions League back in 2004, and since then we have witnessed some iconic returns after disappointing first leg ties, the-AFC.com recalls three extraordinary comebacks ahead of the second legs.

The custodian does not have to look far for inspiration, either.

Only last year, ties involving clubs from China and Japan in the AFC Champions League saw a series of extraordinary come-from-behind matches.

Urawa Red Diamonds overcame a 3-1 first leg defeat to win 5-4 on aggregate over Kawasaki Frontale, while Guangzhou Evergrande turned around a 4-0 first leg deficit only to lose on penalties.

Now a veteran with over 70 international caps and seven and a half years in Germany, Uchida was just 20-year-old when Kashima Antlers reached the AFC Champions League quarter-finals for their first and, until this year, only time.

That last eight encounter, against Australia's Adelaide United, ended in a disappointing 2-1 aggregate elimination for the J.League club, but now, a decade later, Uchida and Kashima have the chance to go at least one better.

Speaking exclusively to the-AFC.com, Xavi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance at the Azadi Stadium, adding that Al Sadd were much better than their hosts.

"I think we did well but there's one more game," said the 38-year-old World Cup winner. "It could be just 90 minutes or it could even go to extra time. We don't know; in football, we never know.

"At least, we did a really good job in Tehran. It was a very good performance and I think we were much better than Esteghlal, especially in the second half. Also, in the first half, we could have scored at least one goal."