Credit: Twitter
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2023-24 group-stage draw was announced on Thursday, August 24, and Groups D and E have drawn the attention of many due to the availability of superstar footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr's Saudi Pro League teams. The Indian fans would get a chance to watch the Brazilian forward in the country as Al-Hilal have been drawn against Indian Super League giants Mumbai City FC in Group D.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are placed in Group E as teams from West Zone are placed in Groups A to E while East Zone teams are categorised in Groups F to J. Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds are the defending champions as they defeated Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal in the 2022 final.
Format
The AFC Champions League 2023-24 group-stage draw took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on August 24. A total of 40 teams divided into 10 groups of four teams each across Asia will feature in the competition's group stage. Each team will play six matches in the group stage, a home and away fixture against their three opponents in the group. Clubs from the same Member Association will not be drawn into the same group.
The winners from each group qualify for the knockouts while three top runners-up from each zone will reach the AFC Champions League 2023-24 Round of 16. Each team will play a game at their home followed by an away game with each opponent in the respective group.
Groups
West Zone AFC Champion League 2023-24: Groups
Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E |
Pakhator | Al Sadd | Al-Ittihad | Al-Hilal | Persepolis |
AL Fayha | FC Nassaf | Sepahan SC | FC Nassaji | Al Duhail |
Ahal FC | Al Faisaly | Air Force Club | Mumbai City FC | FC Istiklol |
Al Ain FC | Sharjah FC | AGMK FC | Navbahor | Al-Nassr |
East Zone AFC Champion League 2023-24: Groups
| Group F | Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J |
| Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC | Yokohama F. Marinos | Buriham United | Ulsan Hyundai FC | Wuhan Three Towers |
| Bangkok United | Shandong Taishan | Ventforet Kofu | Kawasaki Frontale | Pohang Steelers |
| Lion City Sailors FC | Kaya FC-Iloilo | Melbourne City FC | Johor Darul Ta’zim | Hanoi FC |
| Kitchee | Incheon United | Zheijiang FC | BG Pathum United | Urawa Red Diamonds |
The full schedule of the AFC Champions League group stage is yet to be announced while the tentative dates for the fixtures are from September 18 to December 13.
