A 92nd-minute own goal saw two-time AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal suffer a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their last 16 tie at Persepolis.
The Saudi side were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Salman Al Faraj was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute.
And four minutes the later the numerical advantage for the Iranian team told when Brazilian defender Digao turned Mehdi Taremi's cross into his own net.
Suwon Bluewings, winners in 2001 and 2002, will also have to come from behind following a 3-2 defeat to Kashiwa Reysol.
Yeom Ki-hun turned home Jong Tae-se's near-post cross to put Suwon ahead after two minutes, but Akima Barada levelled before Leandro's double - the first of which came from the penalty spot - put the visitors in command.
Elsewhere, Beijing Guoan netted a precious away goal in a 1-1 draw at Jeonbuk Motors as Pablo Batalla's 85th-minute penalty cancelled out Kim Ki-hee's opener for the hosts.
