Kuala Lumpur: Gamba Osaka’s Emperor’s Cup success at the weekend not only brought delight to fans of the Japanese club, but it also helped clarify the 2016 AFC Champions League picture.
Last month’s draw, held in Kuala Lumpur, was conducted with only the participation of J.League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima confirmed.
However, Gamba’s victory over Urawa Reds Diamonds sees them take their place in Group G of the 2016 AFC Champions League where they will face Australia double-winners Melbourne Victory, two-time Asian Club Championship and Asian Super Cup winners Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and whichever side from Shanghai SIPG, Muangthong United, or AFC Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim that successfully makes it through February’s playoffs.
Emperor’s Cup runners-up Urawa Red Diamonds, meanwhile, slot into Group H where the 2007 ACL winners will meet reigning continental champions Guangzhou Evergrande, Sydney FC, and the winner of East Zone Playoff 1, which could see another former champion enter the fray if Pohang Steelers - ACL champions in 2009 - defeat the team that triumphs in the February 2 Preliminary Stage match between Hanoi T&T and Kitchee.
Elswhere, a spot in Group E awaits FC Tokyo - Japan's fourth representative - should they beat the winner of the clash between Chonburi and Yangon United in their East Zone Playoff 2 encounter.
AFC Champions League 2016 Fixtures
Group A
1.Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan (IRN)
2. Al Nasr (UAE)
3. Lokomotiv (UZB)
4. Al Ittihad (KSA) or Al Wehdat (JOR)
Group B
1. Al Nassr (KSA)
2. Zobahan (IRN)
3.Lekhwiya (QAT)
4. Bunyodkor (UZB) v Al Shabab (UAE)
Group C
1. Pakhtakor (UZB)
2. Al Hilal (KSA)
3. Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN)
4. Al Jazira (UAE) or Al Sadd (QAT)
Group D
1. Al Ain (UAE)
2. Nasaf (UZB)
3. Al Ahli (KSA)
4. Naft Tehran (IRN) or El Jaish (QAT)
Group E
1. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR)
2. Jiangsu Sainty (CHN)
3. Becamex Binh Duong (VIE)
4. Winner Playoff 2
Group F
1. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN)
2. FC Seoul (KOR)
3. Buriram United (THA)
4. Winner Playoff 3
Group G
1. Melbourne Victory (AUS)
2. Gamba Osaka (JPN)
3. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR)
4. Winner Playoff 4
Group H
1. Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
2. Sydney FC (AUS)
3. Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)
4. Winner Playoff East 1
AFC Champions League 2016 Preliminary Stage & Playoff Schedule
Playoff Stage - West (February 9, 2016)
Al Ittihad (KSA) v Al Wehdat (JOR)
Naft Tehran (IRN) v El Jaish (QAT)
Bunyodkor (UZB) v Al Shabab (UAE)
Al Jazira (UAE) v Al Sadd (QAT)
Preliminary Stage 1 – East (January 27, 2016)
Kitchee (HKG – Bye
Yangon United (MYA) – Bye
Mohun Bagan (IND) v Tampines Rovers (SIN)
Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) – Bye
Preliminary Stage 2 – East (February 2, 2016)
Hanoi T&T (VIE) v Kitchee (HKG)
Chonburi (THA) v Yangon United (MYA)
Shandong Luneng (CHN) v Winner of Mohun Bagan (IND) v Tampines Rovers (SIN)
Muangthong United (THA) v Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)
Playoff Stage – East (February 9, 2016)
Pohang Steelers (KOR) v Winner of Hanoi T&T (VIE) v Kitchee (HKG)
FC Tokyo v Winner of Chonburi (THA) v Yangon United (MYA)
Adelaide United (AUS) v Shandong Luneng (CHN) or Winner of Mohun Bagan (IND) v Tampines Rovers (SIN)
Shanghai SIPG (CHN) v Winner of Muangthong United (THA) v Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)
Photo: AFP
Source: the-afc.com