Nam Tae-hee’s 64th minute header proved the difference in their Matchday Five clash, as Al Sadd moved up to the top of the standings with 10 points.

Xavi’s charges held control of the match at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, recording nearly 60 percent of possession with 12 shots, and the legendary Spaniard was ecstatic with the vital win as a draw against Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr on Thursday will seal Al Sadd their Round of 16 berth.

The 4-1 loss to FC Istiklol last time out was a distant memory for Rogerio Micale’s side, who powered to victory thanks to goals from Luciano Vietto, Bafetimbi Gomis and Yasir Al Shahrani.

The three-time Asian champions have now accrued 10 points from five matches, but remain behind Istiklol - who beat Shabab Al Ahli 1-0 in Tuesday's other tie - by virtue of their head-to-head record, while AGMK’s defeat provided early confirmation of a group stage exit in their maiden AFC Champions League campaign.

The win took Tajikistan's Istiklol to 10 points and top of the group, same with Al Hilal SFC but with a better head-to-head record against the Saudi Arabia side.

Defeat means Shabab Al Ahli are eliminated with top spot in the group to be decided on Friday with Istiklol playing AGMK while Shabab Al Ahli face Al Hilal.

With Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli Saudi FC and Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran playing to a 0-0 in Tuesday's late match, Al Duhail are tied on eight points with the two heading into Friday's Matchday Six.

A goalless draw means three teams – Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli, Al Duhail of Qatar and Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal go into the final matchday with eight points to their names. Esteghlal face Al Shorta on Friday while Al Ahli’s Matchday Six game pits them against Al Duhail.

Jefferson Colazos opened the scoring for the Iraqi side before Khalid Bawazir equalised for the hosts and Salem Saleh struck home to put Sharjah in front before the break. Both Colazos and Saleh scored again early in the second half to double their own tallies with Saleh’s header settling the score Sharjah’s way before the hour mark.

Tim Matavz put Al Wahda ahead five minutes into the tie at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as ten Cate’s charges registered their third consecutive victory.

The win took Al Wahda to 10 points, two behind group leaders Persepolis of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the UAE club to end their group stage campaign against hosts FC Goa on Thursday.