The Islamic Republic of Iran has three sides remaining in the competition, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have two and Saudi Arabia one. Inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain, 2010 winners Zobahan and the last team from the West to lift the trophy, Al Sadd, are among the line-up.

The continental competition will resume again in early May, before which the-AFC.com looks back at the numbers that stood out from a week that saw 16 teams depart Asia's premier club tournament.

I'm very happy scoring the winning goal which takes us through to the Round of 16. I would like to give my thanks to the fans both at the stadium and at home for your great support.

Tsing Tao Player-of-the-Match winner Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri credits the fans for their role in Burriam United's shock win over Jeju United that saw the Thai club through to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2013.

Senegalese forward Mame Thiam rose to the occasion to score the only goal of the game in the 35th minute, courtesy of Khosro Heydari’s cross into the box which proved to be enough to beat the Babol-based club in an exciting final.

Esteghlal, who were ensured a place in the 2019 AFC Champions League after finishing third in the Iran Pro League in April, will continue their pursuit of a third Asian club Continental title after an impressive run in their 2018 AFC Champions League campaign, where they finished unbeaten as Group D winners.

Winfried Schäfer’s charges take on compatriots Zobahan FC in the Round of 16, on May 8 and 15.

The achievement comes less than a week after winning the UAE Pro League for a record 13th time since 1976.

Zoran Mamic’s side took the lead in the third minute with Ismail Ahmed finding the back of the net with a superb volley, courtesy of playmaker Omar Abdulrahman’s corner kick.

Al Wasl hunted for an equaliser with Fabio Lima coming closest in the first half when his free'kick slammed into the top bar in the 25th minute.

Less than 10 minutes later, Abdulrahman was on the move, dashing on the left flank before sending a through pass into the box, setting Marcus Berg up for a fine finish but Al Wasl goalkeeper Yousef Al Zaabi was quick to deny the attempt.

Berg would eventually etch his name on the scoresheet five minutes after the restart when Al Ain moved on a counter-attack that saw captain Abdulrahman sprinting down the midfield before sending a swift pass to the Swede in the final third, where he made no mistake in a one-on-one contest with Al Zaabi.

However, Al Ain were reduced to 10 men when Ahmed was shown the red card for a rough challenge on Salem Al Ozaizi outside the box in the 76th minute.

Caio scored a consolation goal for Al Wasl in added time, but it was too little too late as Al Ain lifted the UAE President’s Cup for a seventh time.

Al Ain will also look to continue their momentum in the 2018 AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches against Qatar’s Al Duhail - who won all six games in their group stage campaign - on May 8 and 15.

Soltanifar, who was present as Persepolis celebrated winning the 2017-18 Iran Pro League title at the Azadi Stadium on Friday, said Iranian football was perfectly placed for more success.

"I congratulate the sports fraternity, especially football lovers, as this season of football was perfect and we witnessed good events.

"The qualification of our national team for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the success of our club teams in Asia is commendable.

"The fact that three of our clubs have qualified for the next stage of the AFC Champions League means its time for an Iranian club to win the title," said Soltanifar.

Al Rayyan and Al Ain locked horns in Doha with a place in the knock-out stages up for grabs, and it was the visitors who emerged on top with a comprehensive 4-1 win, thanks to smart wing play and lethal finishing.