Kashima Antlers

The final round of the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage continued on Tuesday, with Sydney FC a notable casualty.

Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso Kashima Antlers and Ulsan Hyundai claimed first-leg home wins in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.

Kashima Antlers secured top spot in Group E, meaning Guangzhou Evergrande await in the AFC Champions League last 16.

Paulinho kept Guangzhou Evergrande in the hunt to regain the AFC Champions League title as Kawasaki Frontale and Al Hilal won impressively.

Givanildo Vieira de Souza Urawa Red Diamonds, Shanghai SIPG and Kashima Antlers won their AFC Champions League group stage openers on Tuesday.

Guangzhou Evergrande had to settle for a draw against Kawasaki Frontale after giving up a late spot-kick in the AFC Champions League.

There were wins for Kashima Antlers and Jeju United in the AFC Champions League while Shanghai Shenhua and Sydney FC shared the spoils.

Kashima Antlers boosted their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League semi-finals, while Al Duhail also triumphed on Tuesday.

Leo Silva and Serginho goals gave Kashima Antlers a crucial 2-0 lead on aggregate in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final.

A 0-0 draw was enough to take Kashima Antlers to AFC Champions League glory as Persepolis failed to break down the dogged visitors.