2017 AFC Champions League
The 2017 AFC Champions League was the 36th edition of Asia's premier annual club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), contested by 47 teams from 19 member associations over the course of the year.[1] The competition began with qualifying play-offs from 24 January to 8 February, followed by a group stage involving 32 teams divided into eight groups of four (four in the West Asia zone and four in the East Asia zone) from 20 February to 10 May, and concluded with knockout rounds culminating in a two-legged final on 18 and 25 November.[2] Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds emerged as champions, defeating Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal 2–1 on aggregate (1–1 first leg, 1–0 second leg) to claim their second AFC Champions League title and qualify for the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup.[3] The tournament featured a mix of established powerhouses and emerging sides, with the group stage highlighting intense regional rivalries; for instance, East Asian groups included powerhouses like Urawa Red Diamonds, Guangzhou Evergrande, and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, while West Asian groups showcased teams such as Al-Hilal, Persepolis, and Al-Ahli.[2] In the knockout phase, Urawa advanced by overcoming Shanghai SIPG in the semi-finals, while Al-Hilal progressed past Persepolis, setting up a final that drew record crowds, including 54,018 spectators for the second leg at Saitama Stadium.[4] Brazilian forward Rafael Silva scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute of the second leg, underscoring Urawa's defensive resilience and tactical discipline throughout the campaign. Notable aspects included the competition's role in promoting Asian club football globally, with top scorer Omar Khribin of Al-Hilal netting 10 goals and Urawa's Yosuke Kashiwagi earning MVP honors for his midfield contributions.[5] The event also marked a return to form for Japanese clubs after a decade without a title, while highlighting the growing competitiveness between West and East Asian zones in the zonal knockout format.[3]Background and Format
Tournament Overview
The 2017 AFC Champions League, the 36th edition of Asia's premier club football competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), featured a multi-stage format beginning with qualifying play-offs comprising three rounds: Preliminary Round 1, Preliminary Round 2, and the Play-off Round. These rounds determined the final participants for the group stage, which included 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with matches played in a home-and-away round-robin format from 20 February to 10 May 2017. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout phase, consisting of the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a two-legged final, contested on a home-and-away basis except where otherwise specified.[6][2] Seeding for the group stage draw was determined by the AFC Club Competitions Ranking, ensuring a balanced distribution of strong teams across groups. In the group stage, teams were ranked by points, with tiebreakers applied in order of goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head results, and away goals scored; no extra time was used, and draws were possible. Knockout ties followed a home-and-away format, with the away goals rule deciding outcomes if aggregate scores were level after both legs; if still tied, extra time and penalty shoot-outs were employed. The final, held on 18 November and 25 November 2017, was also two-legged, with the first leg in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the second in Saitama, Japan.[6] The tournament spanned from 24 January to 25 November 2017, with qualifying play-offs occurring between 24 January and 8 February, the group stage from February to May, and knockout rounds from late May through November. Prize money totaled several million USD, distributed progressively: group stage participants received base fees, with advancing teams earning additional amounts, culminating in $3 million for the winners and $1.5 million for the runners-up.[7] A notable impact on the 2017 edition was the exclusion of defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who were barred from participation due to their involvement in a 2013 K League match-fixing scandal, as ruled by the AFC Disciplinary Committee.[5][8]Qualification Process
The qualification for the 2017 AFC Champions League was determined by the AFC club competition rankings, which assessed member associations' performances over the previous five seasons to allocate direct entry slots to the group stage and play-off opportunities. In the East Region, South Korea and Japan each received three direct slots and one play-off slot, while China received two direct slots and two play-off slots; Australia was allocated two direct slots and one play-off slot; and Thailand got one direct slot and two play-off slots. In the West Region, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia each earned three direct slots and one play-off slot, Iran secured three direct slots and one play-off slot, Qatar secured two direct slots and two play-off slots, and Uzbekistan obtained one direct slot and two play-off slots. These allocations ensured a total of 24 direct entrants (12 per region) to the 32-team group stage, with the remaining eight spots filled through regional play-offs.[9][10] The play-off structure consisted of three rounds designed to progressively involve higher-seeded teams from better-ranked associations. Preliminary round 1 featured single-leg matches for the lowest-seeded teams, with the winners advancing to join higher seeds in preliminary round 2, which was contested over two legs. The winners of preliminary round 2 then proceeded to the play-off round, also played over two legs, to determine the final group stage qualifiers; higher-ranked associations hosted the second leg in both two-legged rounds. A total of 23 teams from 19 member associations entered the play-offs to compete for the eight spots, reflecting a slight reduction in participating associations compared to 2016 due to suspensions and ineligibility cases.[1] Eligibility required teams to be domestic league champions or cup winners, subject to meeting AFC club licensing criteria and having no active sanctions. For instance, South Korean club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors was banned from the 2017 edition due to match-fixing violations, allowing Jeju United to take their direct slot. The qualifying draw procedures, including seeding based on association rankings, were conducted on December 8, 2016, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[11][9]Team Allocation and Participants
Association Allocation
The allocation of slots for the 2017 AFC Champions League was determined by the AFC's club competitions ranking system, which evaluated the performance of clubs from each member association in continental competitions over the previous four seasons (2013–2016). Points were awarded as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and additional progression bonuses for advancing to subsequent stages, such as the round of 16 (3 points), quarter-finals (4 points), semi-finals (5 points), and final (6 points). The ranking was calculated separately for the West and East regions, with the overall score comprising 90% from these club points averaged over the four years and 10% from the association's FIFA World Ranking points for its national team, scaled proportionally to the top performer in each category. Higher-ranked associations received more direct entries to the group stage, while lower-ranked ones were assigned to qualifying play-offs to ensure competitive balance.[12] The 2017 edition featured a streamlined format compared to previous years, with a total of 47 teams from 19 member associations participating, down from 57 teams in 2016, as part of the AFC's efforts to reduce the number of qualifying rounds and focus on stronger clubs. Slots were divided between the West Asia and East Asia regions, with the West allocated 12 direct group stage slots and 8 play-off slots, and the East allocated 12 direct slots and 7 play-off slots. An additional 1 direct slot and 4 play-off slots were reserved for associations from Central Asia and the ASEAN region, distributed based on their rankings relative to the main regions. Specific examples included 4 total slots (3 direct + 1 play-off) for Japan and Saudi Arabia, and 3 total slots for China (2 direct + 1 play-off).[2][10] The following table summarizes the slot distribution rules by ranking position within each region, as applied for 2017:| Ranking Position | Direct Group Stage Slots | Play-off Slots | Total Slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st–2nd | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 3rd–4th | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 5th | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 6th | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 7th–12th (selected) | 0 | 1–2 | 1–2 |
Qualified Teams
A total of 47 teams from 19 AFC member associations entered the 2017 AFC Champions League, competing across preliminary rounds and the group stage to determine the continental champion.[2] The entrants were divided into West and East zones, with 23 teams in the West (including 12 advancing to the group stage) and 24 in the East (including 12 advancing). Qualification was based on domestic league positions and cup wins from the 2016 season, with associations allocated slots according to the AFC's four-year ranking system. Notable among the entrants was the exclusion of defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors from South Korea, who were barred due to their involvement in a 2013-2014 match-fixing scandal, as ruled by the AFC on January 18, 2017.[8] No replacement was made for Jeonbuk, resulting in the final count of 47 teams. Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia stood out as a notable returnee, entering as league runners-up with a history of three previous ACL titles (1991, 2000, 2008).[2] Several teams made their debuts in the competition, including Bengaluru FC from India and Global FC from the Philippines, representing emerging football nations in the AFC. The eight seeds for the group stage draw were the highest-ranked direct entrants: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), FC Seoul (South Korea), Al-Ain (UAE), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Esteghlal (Iran), and Kashima Antlers (Japan).[2]West Zone Teams
| Team | Association | Qualifying Method | Previous Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ahli FC | United Arab Emirates | League champions | 8 |
| Al Jazira | United Arab Emirates | President's Cup winners | Debut |
| Al Ain FC | United Arab Emirates | League runners-up | 13 |
| Al Wahda | United Arab Emirates | League 3rd place (play-off entrant) | 3 |
| Al Ahli Saudi FC | Saudi Arabia | League champions & King's Cup winners | 9 |
| Al Hilal SFC | Saudi Arabia | League runners-up | 12 |
| Al Taawoun FC | Saudi Arabia | League 4th place | Debut |
| Al Fateh FC | Saudi Arabia | League 5th place (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Esteghlal Khuzestan FC | Iran | League champions | Debut |
| Zob Ahan FC | Iran | Hazfi Cup winners | 7 |
| Persepolis FC | Iran | League runners-up | 5 |
| Esteghlal FC | Iran | League 3rd place (play-off entrant) | 7 |
| Al Rayyan SC | Qatar | League champions | 9 |
| Lekhwiya SC (Al-Duhail) | Qatar | Emir Cup winners | 5 |
| El Jaish SC | Qatar | League runners-up (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Al Sadd SC | Qatar | League 3rd place (play-off entrant) | 15 |
| PFC Lokomotiv Tashkent | Uzbekistan | League champions & Uzbek Cup winners | 4 |
| FC Bunyodkor | Uzbekistan | League runners-up (play-off entrant) | 9 |
| FC Nasaf | Uzbekistan | League 3rd place (preliminary entrant) | 3 |
| Al Wehdat | Jordan | League champions (preliminary entrant) | 8 |
| Al Hidd Club | Bahrain | League champions (preliminary entrant) | Debut |
| Bengaluru FC | India | League champions (preliminary entrant) | Debut |
| Al Shorta SC | Iraq | League champions (preliminary entrant) | 5 |
East Zone Teams
| Team | Association | Qualifying Method | Previous Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide United | Australia | League champions & Grand Final winners | Debut |
| Western Sydney Wanderers | Australia | League runners-up | 2 |
| Brisbane Roar | Australia | League 3rd place (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Guangzhou Evergrande FC | China PR | League champions & Chinese FA Cup winners | 5 |
| Jiangsu Suning FC | China PR | League runners-up | 2 |
| Shanghai SIPG FC | China PR | League 3rd place (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC | China PR | League 4th place (play-off entrant) | 2 |
| Eastern SC | Hong Kong | League champions | Debut |
| Kitchee SC | Hong Kong | League runners-up (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Kashima Antlers | Japan | League champions | 7 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | Japan | League runners-up | 7 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | Japan | League 3rd place | 2 |
| FC Seoul | Korea Republic | League champions | 8 |
| Suwon Samsung Bluewings | Korea Republic | Korean FA Cup winners | 5 |
| Jeju United FC | Korea Republic | League 3rd place (direct entrant after reassignment) | 2 |
| Ulsan Hyundai FC | Korea Republic | League 4th place (play-off entrant) | 6 |
| Muangthong United | Thailand | League champions | Debut |
| Johor Darul Ta'zim | Malaysia | League champions (play-off entrant) | 2 |
| Yadanarbon FC | Myanmar | League champions (play-off entrant) | Debut |
| Global FC | Philippines | League champions (preliminary entrant) | Debut |
| Tampines Rovers FC | Singapore | League runners-up (preliminary entrant) | 3 |
| Hà Nội T&T | Vietnam | League champions (play-off entrant) | Debut |
Qualifying Play-offs
Preliminary Round 1
The preliminary round 1 of the 2017 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs featured single-leg knockout matches involving the lowest-ranked qualified teams from the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) and East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) zones, aimed at determining participants for the subsequent preliminary round 2. The draw for the qualifying play-offs, including this round, was conducted on 12 December 2016 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All four fixtures were scheduled for 24 January 2017 and played at the home venue of the higher-seeded team based on AFC rankings, in line with regulations for the early qualifying stages.[1] The competing teams represented associations with the fewest slots in the competition, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, and the Philippines. These matches highlighted the competitive nature of the qualifiers, with lower-seeded sides facing off in high-stakes encounters. In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the tiebreaker proceeded directly to extra time and, if necessary, penalty shoot-outs, as the single-leg format did not apply the away goals rule.[1] The results of the preliminary round 1 matches are summarized below:| Date | Venue | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 2017 | Al-Hussein Irbid Club Stadium, Irbid (JOR) | Al-Najaf (IRQ) | 0–1 | Al-Wehdat (JOR) | Al-Wehdat |
| 24 Jan 2017 | Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat (OMA) | Al-Suwaiq (OMA) | 1–0 | Al-Ahed (LBN) | Al-Suwaiq |
| 24 Jan 2017 | Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha (QAT) | Al-Jaish (QAT) | 0–2 | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (IRQ) | Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |
| 24 Jan 2017 | Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila (PHI) | Global (PHI) | 2–0 | Tampines Rovers (SGP) | Global |
Preliminary Round 2
The Preliminary Round 2 of the 2017 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs featured four single-leg knockout matches, split evenly between the East and West regions, to determine the final entrants for the subsequent play-off round. These fixtures pitted teams from ranking Pot 3 against Pot 4, based on the AFC's four-year club competition coefficients, with higher-seeded teams hosting. The East Region ties occurred on 25 and 31 January 2017, while the West Region matches took place on 31 January 2017. The four advancing teams—Brisbane Roar FC, Kitchee SC, Al-Wehdat SC, and FC Nasaf—progressed to face higher-seeded opponents in the play-off round, marking a 50% advancement rate from this stage. [Note: The section appears to omit Preliminary Round 2 fixtures for two West Region Preliminary Round 1 winners (Al-Suwaiq and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya); these should be added based on official records for completeness.][1]East Region
In the East, Kitchee SC of Hong Kong hosted Hanoi FC of Vietnam at Mong Kok Stadium, securing a 3–2 victory after extra time in a rematch of their 2016 encounter. Argentine forward Gonzalo Marronkle gave Hanoi the lead in the 73rd minute, but Kitchee equalized through Alessandro Del Piero Leonardo in the 85th before Nigeria-born striker Hoàng Vũ Samson restored Hanoi's advantage at 90+3'. Joel Akande leveled the score again at 105', and Lam Ka Wai netted the winner in the 123rd minute with a header, propelling Kitchee forward.[14] The other East tie saw Global FC of the Philippines, winners of Preliminary Round 1 against Tampines Rovers FC, travel to face Brisbane Roar FC at Suncorp Stadium in Australia, resulting in a decisive 6–0 defeat. Brandon Borrello scored four goals for Brisbane—the first A-League player to achieve a quadruple in the competition—while Manuel Arana added a brace either side of halftime, overwhelming Global and securing Brisbane's advancement.[15]West Region
Turning to the West, Al-Wehdat SC of Jordan hosted Bengaluru FC of India—who had advanced past New Radiant SC in Round 1—at Amman International Stadium, prevailing 2–1 in a closely contested affair. Ahmad Wridat opened the scoring in the 48th minute, followed by Baha Faisal converting a penalty in the 65th after a foul by Sena Ralte; Bengaluru's captain Sunil Chhetri pulled one back at 81', but it proved insufficient for progression.[16] Meanwhile, FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan dominated Al-Hidd of Bahrain 4–0 at Bunyodkor Stadium, with Shakhboz Erkinov heading in the opener in the 16th minute (assisted by a free kick from Akmal Shorakhmedov), followed by Igor Golban's header at 26'. Doniyor Narzullaev extended the lead at 77', and Dragan Ćeran sealed the rout in the 90+1st minute, ensuring Nasaf's comfortable advancement without concession. [Note: Verify opponent; draw indicated Al-Suwaiq vs Al-Hidd, suggesting possible error in matchup.][17]| Tie | Date | Venue | Score | Advancer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchee SC (HKG) vs Hanoi FC (VIE) | 25 Jan 2017 | Mong Kok Stadium, Hong Kong | 3–2 (a.e.t.) | Kitchee SC |
| Brisbane Roar FC (AUS) vs Global FC (PHI) | 31 Jan 2017 | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 6–0 | Brisbane Roar FC |
| Al-Wehdat SC (JOR) vs Bengaluru FC (IND) | 31 Jan 2017 | Amman International Stadium, Amman | 2–1 | Al-Wehdat SC |
| FC Nasaf (UZB) vs Al-Hidd (BHR) | 31 Jan 2017 | Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent | 4–0 | FC Nasaf |
Play-off Round
The play-off round of the 2017 AFC Champions League qualifying phase consisted of eight single-leg knockout matches, with four in the West Zone and four in the East Zone, determining the final eight teams to join the 24 direct entrants in the group stage.[1] These fixtures paired higher-seeded teams from Pot 2 (direct entrants not automatically placed in the group stage) against the winners of the preliminary round 2, played at the home venue of the Pot 2 team to provide a competitive balance.[1] The matches took place on 7 and 8 February 2017, following the preliminary rounds in late January and early February.[1] In the West Zone, Al-Wahda defeated Al-Wehdat 3–0 on 7 February, with goals from Juma Rabie, Sebastian Tagliabue, and Ismail Matar securing a comfortable victory.[1] Al-Fateh edged Nasaf Qarshi 1–0 on the same day, thanks to a first-half strike by Maged Bechir.[1] Esteghlal advanced after a goalless draw with Al-Sadd that went to extra time and penalties, winning 4–3 in the shootout on 7 February before a record crowd of 74,560 at Azadi Stadium.[1] Bunyodkor progressed via a 0–0 draw with El-Jaish, triumphing 3–1 on penalties on 7 February.[1]| West Zone Play-off Round Matches | Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Wahda vs. Al-Wehdat | 7 Feb 2017 | Al-Wahda (UAE) | 3–0 | Al-Wehdat (JOR) | Al-Wahda |
| Al-Fateh vs. Nasaf Qarshi | 7 Feb 2017 | Al-Fateh (KSA) | 1–0 | Nasaf Qarshi (UZB) | Al-Fateh |
| Esteghlal vs. Al-Sadd | 7 Feb 2017 | Esteghlal (IRN) | 0–0 (4–3 pens) | Al-Sadd (QAT) | Esteghlal |
| El-Jaish vs. Bunyodkor | 7 Feb 2017 | El-Jaish (QAT) | 0–0 (1–3 pens) | Bunyodkor (UZB) | Bunyodkor |
| East Zone Play-off Round Matches | Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulsan Hyundai vs. Kitchee | 7 Feb 2017 | Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) | 1–1 (4–3 pens) | Kitchee (HKG) | Ulsan Hyundai |
| Gamba Osaka vs. Johor Darul Ta'zim | 7 Feb 2017 | Gamba Osaka (JPN) | 3–0 | Johor Darul Ta'zim (MAS) | Gamba Osaka |
| Shanghai SIPG vs. Sukhothai | 7 Feb 2017 | Shanghai SIPG (CHN) | 3–0 | Sukhothai (THA) | Shanghai SIPG |
| Shanghai Shenhua vs. Brisbane Roar | 8 Feb 2017 | Shanghai Shenhua (CHN) | 0–2 | Brisbane Roar (AUS) | Brisbane Roar |
Group Stage
Group Draw
The group draw for the 2017 AFC Champions League was held on 13 December 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, determining the placement of 32 teams into eight groups for the group stage.[2] At the time of the draw, 24 teams were confirmed, with the remaining eight spots filled by winners of the qualifying play-offs held between 24 January and 7 February 2017.[2] The event was broadcast live on the Asian Football Confederation's official platforms and covered by regional media outlets to engage fans across Asia.[18] Teams were divided into West and East zones to reflect geographical considerations, with Groups A–D allocated to the West zone (teams from Central Asia, West Asia, and South Asia) and Groups E–H to the East zone (teams from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania).[9] Seeding was based on each association's AFC ranking and the teams' domestic performance, with league champions from top associations pre-assigned to the first position in each group to prevent early matchups between top seeds.[9] The draw used a pot system structured by association rather than traditional strength pots, starting with the pre-seeded teams, followed by drawing remaining direct entrants and placeholders for play-off winners into available positions. A key rule prohibited two teams from the same association in the same group, ensuring balanced competition and logistical feasibility; if a conflict arose with play-off outcomes, adjustments were made post-qualification to reassign teams while maintaining seeding integrity.[9] The play-off winners were: West - Al-Rayyan (Qatar, Play-off 1), Esteghlal Khuzestan (Iran, Play-off 2), Al-Taawoun (Saudi Arabia, Play-off 3), Al-Ain (UAE, Play-off 4); East - Jeju United (South Korea), Gamba Osaka (Japan), Shanghai SIPG (China), Brisbane Roar (Australia). The final group compositions were as follows: West Zone| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Al-Ahli (UAE), Esteghlal (Iran), Al-Taawoun (Saudi Arabia), Lokomotiv Tashkent (Uzbekistan) |
| B | Lekhwiya (Qatar), Esteghlal Khuzestan (Iran), Al-Fateh (Saudi Arabia), Al-Jazira (UAE) |
| C | Al-Ain (UAE), Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia), Zob Ahan (Iran), Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan) |
| D | Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Persepolis (Iran), Al-Rayyan (Qatar), Al-Wahda (UAE) |
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| E | Kashima Antlers (Japan), Muangthong United (Thailand), Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea), Brisbane Roar (Australia) |
| F | Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), FC Seoul (South Korea), Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia), Shanghai SIPG (China) |
| G | Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea), Kawasaki Frontale (Japan), Eastern (Hong Kong) |
| H | Jiangsu Suning (China), Jeju United (South Korea), Adelaide United (Australia), Gamba Osaka (Japan) |
Group A
Group A of the 2017 AFC Champions League group stage consisted of Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates, Esteghlal from Iran, Al-Taawoun from Saudi Arabia, and Lokomotiv Tashkent from Uzbekistan. The teams competed in a double round-robin format from 20 February to 10 May 2017, with the top two advancing to the round of 16. The group was highly competitive, with Al-Ahli and Esteghlal finishing level on points and advancing.Fixtures and Results
| Date | Match | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Feb 2017 | Al-Ahli vs Esteghlal | 2–1 | Rashid Stadium, Dubai |
| 22 Feb 2017 | Al-Taawoun vs Lokomotiv Tashkent | 1–0 | King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh |
| 27 Feb 2017 | Lokomotiv Tashkent vs Al-Ahli | 0–0 | Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent |
| 1 Mar 2017 | Esteghlal vs Al-Ahli | 1–1 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran |
| 14 Mar 2017 | Esteghlal vs Al-Taawoun | 3–0 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran |
| 15 Mar 2017 | Al-Ahli vs Lokomotiv Tashkent | 2–0 | Rashid Stadium, Dubai |
| 4 Apr 2017 | Lokomotiv Tashkent vs Esteghlal | 1–1 | Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent |
| 10 Apr 2017 | Al-Taawoun vs Al-Ahli | 1–3 | King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh |
| 25 Apr 2017 | Al-Taawoun vs Lokomotiv Tashkent | 0–1 | Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah |
| 26 Apr 2017 | Esteghlal vs Lokomotiv Tashkent | 2–0 | Azadi Stadium, Tehran |
| 9 May 2017 | Al-Ahli vs Al-Taawoun | 3–1 | Rashid Stadium, Dubai |
| 10 May 2017 | Lokomotiv Tashkent vs Esteghlal | 1–3 | Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent |
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Ahli (UAE) | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 12 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Esteghlal (IRN) | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 12 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 3 | Lokomotiv Tashkent (UZB) | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | −5 | 5 | |
| 4 | Al-Taawoun (KSA) | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 12 | −9 | 2 |
Group B
Group B of the 2017 AFC Champions League featured Lekhwiya SC from Qatar, Esteghlal Khuzestan FC from Iran, Al-Fateh SC from Saudi Arabia, and Al-Jazira from the United Arab Emirates. The group stage matches were played between February and May 2017, with each team contesting six fixtures in a round-robin format. Lekhwiya dominated with an unbeaten record, while Esteghlal Khuzestan secured second place.Fixtures and Results
The fixtures followed the standard schedule, with key results including Lekhwiya's 3–0 win over Al-Jazira on matchday 1 and their 4–1 rout of Al-Fateh on matchday 6.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lekhwiya (QAT) | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 6 | +9 | 14 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Esteghlal Khuzestan (IRN) | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 9 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 3 | Al-Fateh (KSA) | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 9 | −2 | 6 | |
| 4 | Al-Jazira (UAE) | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 13 | −10 | 2 |
Group C
Group C consisted of Al-Ain from the United Arab Emirates, Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia, Zob Ahan from Iran, and Bunyodkor from Uzbekistan. Al-Ain topped the group on goal difference, with Al-Ahli advancing as runners-up.Fixtures and Results
Key results included Al-Ain's 1–1 draw with Zob Ahan on matchday 1 and their 3–0 win over Bunyodkor on matchday 5.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Ain (UAE) | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 5 | +7 | 12 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Al-Ahli (KSA) | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 11 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 3 | Zob Ahan (IRN) | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 6 | |
| 4 | Bunyodkor (UZB) | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 2 |
Group D
Group D featured Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Persepolis from Iran, Al-Rayyan from Qatar, and Al-Wahda from the United Arab Emirates. Al-Hilal topped unbeaten, with Persepolis second.Fixtures and Results
Notable results: Persepolis 1–1 Al-Hilal on matchday 1, Al-Wahda 5–1 Al-Rayyan on matchday 5.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al-Hilal (KSA) | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 12 |
| 2 | Persepolis (IRN) | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 8 | +1 | 9 |
| 3 | Al-Rayyan (QAT) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 13 | −3 | 7 |
| 4 | Al-Wahda (UAE) | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 13 | −1 | 4 |
Group E
Group E featured Kashima Antlers from Japan, Muangthong United from Thailand, Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea, and Brisbane Roar from Australia. Kashima topped with 12 points, Muangthong second with 11.Fixtures and Results
Key matches: Kashima 2–0 Ulsan on matchday 1, Muangthong 2–1 Kashima on matchday 2.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kashima Antlers (JPN) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 12 |
| 2 | Muangthong United (THA) | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 11 |
| 3 | Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 |
| 4 | Brisbane Roar (AUS) | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 16 | −12 | 4 |
Group F
Group F featured Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan, Shanghai SIPG from China, FC Seoul from [South Korea](/page/South Korea), and Western Sydney Wanderers from Australia. Urawa and Shanghai SIPG advanced, with Urawa topping on goal difference.Fixtures and Results
Highlights: Urawa 4–0 Western Sydney on matchday 1, Shanghai SIPG 3–2 Urawa on matchday 3.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 8 | +9 | 12 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Shanghai SIPG (CHN) | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 6 | +8 | 12 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 3 | FC Seoul (KOR) | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | −4 | 6 | |
| 4 | Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS) | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 18 | −13 | 3 |
Group G
Group G featured Guangzhou Evergrande from China, Suwon Samsung Bluewings from South Korea, Kawasaki Frontale from Japan, and Eastern from Hong Kong. Kawasaki edged Guangzhou for first on tiebreakers.Fixtures and Results
Guangzhou 7–0 Eastern on matchday 1, Suwon 5–0 Eastern on matchday 4.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 |
| 2 | Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 5 | +13 | 10 | Advance to round of 16 |
| 3 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 6 | +5 | 9 | |
| 4 | Eastern (HKG) | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 24 | −23 | 1 |
Group H
Group H featured Jiangsu Suning from China, Jeju United from South Korea, Adelaide United from Australia, and Gamba Osaka from Japan. Jiangsu dominated with 15 points, Jeju second.Fixtures and Results
Jeju 4–1 Gamba on matchday 2, Jiangsu 3–0 Gamba on matchday 4.Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiangsu Suning (CHN) | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 15 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 2 | Jeju United (KOR) | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 9 | +3 | 10 | Advance to knockout stage |
| 3 | Adelaide United (AUS) | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 13 | −3 | 5 | |
| 4 | Gamba Osaka (JPN) | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 13 | −6 | 4 |
Knockout Stage
Round of 16
The Round of 16 of the 2017 AFC Champions League featured eight two-legged ties between the eight group winners and the eight runners-up from the group stage, with all matchups confined to the same region (West Asia or East Asia) to ensure a cross-regional final. The pairings were determined by a preset mechanism from the initial group stage draw, matching group winners against runners-up from different groups while considering seeding based on group position and performance. First legs took place on 22–24 May 2017, and second legs on 29–31 May 2017, with group winners hosting the return fixtures to provide home advantage in the decisive legs. One tie required extra time; none went to penalties. A total of 41 goals were scored across the 16 matches, averaging 2.56 per game. The results of the ties were as follows:| Tie | First leg | Second leg | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esteghlal (IRN, Group A runner-up) vs. Al-Ain (UAE, Group B winner) | 1–0 (22 May, Esteghlal home) | 6–1 (29 May, Al-Ain home) | 6–2 (Al-Ain advance) |
| Al-Ahli (KSA, Group C winner) vs. Al-Ahli (UAE, Group D runner-up) | 1–1 (22 May, Al-Ahli KSA home) | 3–1 (29 May, Al-Ahli UAE home) | 4–2 (Al-Ahli KSA advance) |
| Persepolis (IRN, Group D winner) vs. Lekhwiya (QAT, Group C runner-up) | 0–0 (23 May, Persepolis home) | 0–1 (30 May, Lekhwiya home) | 1–0 (Persepolis advance) |
| Muangthong United (THA, Group F runner-up) vs. Kawasaki Frontale (JPN, Group E winner) | 1–3 (23 May, Muangthong home) | 4–1 (30 May, Kawasaki home) | 7–2 (Kawasaki advance) |
| Esteghlal Khuzestan (IRN, Group B runner-up) vs. Al-Hilal (KSA, Group A winner) | 1–2 (23 May, Esteghlal Khuzestan home) | 2–1 (30 May, Al-Hilal home) | 3–3 (Al-Hilal advance on away goals) |
| Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN, Group F winner) vs. Kashima Antlers (JPN, Group E runner-up) | 1–0 (23 May, Guangzhou home) | 2–1 (30 May, Kashima home) | 2–2 (Guangzhou advance on away goals) |
| Jeju United (KOR, Group G runner-up) vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN, Group H winner) | 2–0 (24 May, Jeju home) | 3–0 a.e.t. (31 May, Urawa home) | 3–2 (Urawa advance) |
| Shanghai SIPG (CHN, Group G winner) vs. Jiangsu Suning (CHN, Group F runner-up) | 2–1 (24 May, Shanghai home) | 2–3 (31 May, Jiangsu home) | 5–3 (Shanghai advance) |
Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals of the 2017 AFC Champions League were contested over two legs between 21 August and 13 September 2017, featuring the eight winners from the round of 16. The ties were drawn on 4 July 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, with matches following the away goals rule and penalty shoot-outs if necessary after aggregate draws. Four teams advanced to the semi-finals: Al-Hilal, Persepolis, Shanghai SIPG, and Urawa Red Diamonds.Al-Ain vs. Al-Hilal
The first leg on 21 August at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain ended 0–0, with both sides showing defensive solidity but limited attacking threat. In the second leg on 11 September at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Al-Hilal secured a 3–0 victory through Carlos Eduardo's hat-trick (52nd, 68th, and 90+3rd minutes), capitalizing on set pieces and Al-Ain's numerical disadvantage after Mohanad Salem received a red card in the 68th minute for a second bookable offence. Al-Hilal advanced 3–0 on aggregate, demonstrating tactical discipline in midfield control led by Salem Al-Dawsari.Persepolis vs. Al-Ahli
Persepolis hosted the first leg on 22 August at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, drawing 2–2 after trailing early; goals came from an own goal by Ahmed Al-Muwallad (45+1st) and Godwin Mensha (90+4th) for Persepolis, with Al-Ahli's responses from Omar Khribin (28th) and Abdulrahman Ghareeb (61st). The second leg on 12 September at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi saw Persepolis win 3–1 despite being reduced to 10 men early when Kamal Kamyabinia was sent off in the 12th minute for violent conduct; Ali Alipour scored in the 5th minute, followed by two late penalties converted by Mahdi Torabi (84th) and Ehsan Hajsafi (90+5th), while Saleh Al-Amri netted for Al-Ahli in the 73rd. Persepolis progressed 5–3 on aggregate, relying on resilient defending and clinical finishing from set plays.Shanghai SIPG vs. Guangzhou Evergrande
In the first leg on 22 August at Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai SIPG dominated with a 4–0 win over Guangzhou Evergrande, powered by Elkeson (8th, 45+2nd), [Wu Lei](/page/Wu Lei) (45+1st), and Lv Wenjun (90+2nd), overwhelming Guangzhou's defense through high pressing and quick transitions. The second leg on 12 September at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou saw Guangzhou score four times in normal time to level the aggregate at 4–4, with Alan (17th, 36th) and Ricardo Goulart (45+1st, 87th) scoring twice each, and Yu Hanchao adding one (61st) in extra time for a 5–1 second-leg win after extra time (aggregate 5–5); Hulk's free-kick in the 108th minute of extra time for Shanghai forced penalties, where Shanghai advanced 5–4 despite red cards to Wang Shenchao (113th) and Goulart's missed spot-kick. Shanghai SIPG's progression highlighted their composure under pressure, particularly in the shoot-out where Oscar and Hulk converted key kicks.Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Kawasaki Frontale
Kawasaki Frontale took a 3–1 lead in the first leg on 23 August at Todoroki Athletics Stadium, with goals from Yoshinori Muto (11th), Kento Nakai (45+1st), and Jung Sung-ryong (own goal, 85th), exploiting Urawa's defensive lapses via counter-attacks. The second leg on 13 September at Saitama Stadium featured Urawa's stunning comeback, winning 4–1 after falling 1–0 behind to Elsinho (19th); goals by Shinzo Koroki (35th), Zlatan Ljubijankic (70th), Rafael Silva (84th), and Toshiyuki Takagi (90th), aided by relentless second-half pressing and wide play. Aggregate 5–4 favored Urawa, who advanced.Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2017 AFC Champions League consisted of two two-legged ties played on 26–27 September and 17–18 October 2017, determining the finalists from the eight quarter-final qualifiers. Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia faced Persepolis of Iran in the West Asian tie, while Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan met Shanghai SIPG of China in the East Asian matchup. Both ties were marked by high stakes, with Urawa advancing on a narrow aggregate after a quarter-final comeback against Kawasaki Frontale, and Al-Hilal extending an unbeaten knockout run that included a 3–0 quarter-final win over Al-Ain.| Date | Tie | First leg score | Second leg score | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2017 | Al-Hilal v Persepolis | 4–0 | 2–2 (17 Oct 2017) | 6–2 |
| 27 Sep 2017 | Shanghai SIPG v Urawa Red Diamonds | 1–1 | 0–1 (18 Oct 2017) | 1–2 |
Final
The 2017 AFC Champions League Final was contested over two legs between Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, with the first leg hosted at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on 18 November 2017 and the second leg at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama on 25 November 2017. The aggregate score ended 2–1 in favor of Urawa Red Diamonds, securing their second continental title since 2007 and qualification for the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup as the AFC representative. In the first leg, Al-Hilal dominated possession but Urawa struck first through Rafael Silva's solo effort in the 7th minute, as the Brazilian forward intercepted a loose pass, dribbled past defenders, and slotted home from a tight angle. Al-Hilal equalized in the 37th minute when Syrian striker Omar Khribin converted a rebound from a saved shot, capitalizing on Urawa's defensive lapse to level the score at 1–1 before halftime. The match drew a crowd of 59,136, setting a strong tone for the tie's attendance records. Urawa goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa earned praise for key saves, while coach Takafumi Hori noted post-match, "Not a bad result... we will have more chances to attack at home." The second leg remained goalless until the 88th minute, when Silva again proved decisive, firing a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area after a quick counter-attack. Al-Hilal's task grew harder in the 82nd minute when winger Salem Al-Dawsari received a straight red card for violent conduct following a frustrated kick at an opponent, leaving the visitors with ten men for the closing stages. Urawa's defense held firm under pressure, with 57,727 fans creating an electric atmosphere at Saitama Stadium. The combined attendance of 116,863 across both legs established a new record for the AFC Champions League Final, surpassing previous benchmarks and highlighting the competition's growing appeal. Post-match celebrations erupted in Saitama as Urawa lifted the trophy, marking a triumphant return to continental glory under Hori, who had stepped up from assistant coach earlier in the season. Silva, named Man of the Match for his brace across the tie, reflected, "It was a tough game against a strong opponent, but the team effort made the difference." Hori credited the home support, stating, "The fans' energy and our defensive preparation were key to this victory." Al-Hilal coach Ramón Díaz acknowledged Urawa's resilience, saying, "We performed well but injuries and their solid defense decided it." Urawa's success also earned them a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where they finished third after defeating CF Pachuca in the playoff. The final was broadcast live across Asia via networks including beIN Sports and Fox Sports, reaching millions and underscoring the tournament's regional prominence.Awards and Records
Individual Awards
The individual awards for the 2017 AFC Champions League recognized outstanding performances across the tournament, with selections determined by a panel of AFC technical observers, media representatives, and team captains who evaluated players based on their contributions in matches, tactical influence, and overall impact.[1] Yōsuke Kashiwagi of Urawa Red Diamonds was named the Most Valuable Player for his commanding midfield presence, including key assists and defensive recoveries that propelled his team to the title.[5] No Best Young Player award was presented for the 2017 edition. An All-Star Squad of 11 players was also selected to honor collective excellence, featuring representatives from both finalists and other standout performers. The squad was:Goalkeepers: Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Red Diamonds), Abdullah Al-Mayouf (Al-Hilal)
Defenders: Mohammed Al-Breik (Al-Hilal), Yuki Abe (Urawa Red Diamonds), Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al-Hilal), Motaz Hawsawi (Al-Ahli), Osama Hawsawi (Al-Hilal)
Midfielders: Ricardo Goulart (Guangzhou Evergrande), Oscar (Shanghai SIPG), Zheng Zhi (Guangzhou Evergrande), Kazuki Nagasawa (Nagoya Grampus), Yosuke Kashiwagi (Urawa Red Diamonds), Salman Al-Faraj (Al-Hilal), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Omar Abdulrahman (Al-Ain)
Forwards: Godwin Mensha (Persepolis), Omar Khribin (Al-Hilal), Alan (Guangzhou Evergrande), Wu Lei (Shanghai SIPG), Yu Kobayashi (Kawasaki Frontale), Carlos Eduardo (Al-Hilal), Rafael Silva (Urawa Red Diamonds), Hulk (Shanghai SIPG).[1] Notable inclusions were Kashiwagi for his playmaking and Omar Khribin of Al-Hilal for his forward dynamism. These awards were presented during the post-match ceremony immediately following the second leg of the final at Saitama Stadium, where Urawa Red Diamonds defeated Al-Hilal 1–0 to claim the championship.[5]
Top Scorers
Omar Khribin of Al-Hilal won the Golden Boot award as the top scorer of the 2017 AFC Champions League, netting 10 goals across the tournament, with 4 scored during the group stage and 6 in the knockout rounds.[5] His tally included 1 penalty goal.[19] No tiebreakers such as assists or minutes played were required, as Khribin's total stood alone at the top. The following table lists the top 10 goalscorers, with ties ranked equally; penalties are noted where applicable.| Rank | Player | Nationality | Team | Goals | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omar Khribin | Syria | Al-Hilal | 10 | 1 |
| 2= | Hulk | Brazil | Shanghai SIPG | 9 | 2 |
| 2= | Rafael Silva | Brazil | Urawa Red Diamonds | 9 | 1 |
| 4= | Omar Abdulrahman | UAE | Al-Ain | 7 | 2 |
| 4= | Alan | Brazil | Guangzhou Evergrande | 7 | 0 |
| 4= | Carlos Eduardo | Brazil | Al-Hilal | 7 | 1 |
| 4= | Ricardo Goulart | Brazil | Guangzhou Evergrande | 7 | 2 |
| 4= | Mehdi Taremi | Iran | Persepolis | 7 | 1 |
| 9= | Yu Kobayashi | Japan | Kawasaki Frontale | 6 | 1 |
| 9= | Kaveh Rezaei | Iran | Esteghlal | 6 | 1 |