AFC Asian Champions League
The 2010 AFC Asian Champions League draw was held today in Kuala Lumpur and revealed the pathway of Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory who represent the Hyundai A-League in the competition in 2010.
Adelaide United have been drawn with Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic, reigning AFC champions, and also face Republic of China side Shandong Luneng and the eventual champions of the Japan Cup.
Melbourne Victory return to the tournament in 2010 to face Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma of Korea Republic, Beijing Guoan, where Newcastle Jets striker Joel Griffiths has recently returned from a successful loan stint, and Japan side Kawasaki Frontale.
The top two teams, following the completion of the six rounds of group games, will progress to the Round of 16, a one-off elimination match before the finals commence. The final two places in the draw, including one in Adelaide's Group H, will be decided in East and West Play-off matches between Al Karamah (Syria) v Al Wahda (United Arab Emirates), Churchill Brothers (Indonesia - Bye to the West final) and Armed Forces (Singapore) v Sriwijaya (Indonesia), Da Nang (Vietnam) v Muangthong (Thailand).
The remaining five teams will be relegated to the AFC Cup
AFC Champions League 2010 - Group Stage
West Group A - Al Ahli (KSA), Al Gharafa (QAT), Al Jazira (UAE), Esteghlal (IRN) Group B - Zob Ahan (IRN), Al Ittihad (KSA), Bunyodkor (UZB), Playoff winners Group C - Al Ain (UAE), Sepahan (IRN), Al Shabab (KSA), Pakhtakor (UZB) Group D - Al Sadd (QAT), Al Ahli (UAE), Mes Kerman (IRN), Al Hilal (KSA)
East Group E - Seongnam Ilhwa (KOR), Melbourne Victory (AUS), Beijing Guoan (CHN), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) Group F - Kashima Antlers (JPN), Jeonbuk Motors (KOR), Persipura Jayapura (IDN), Changchun Yatai (CHN) Group G - Henan Jianye (CHN), Gamba Osaka (JPN), Suwon Bluewings (KOR), Playoff winners Group H - Adelaide United (AUS), Shandong Luneng (CHN), Cup winners (JPN), Pohang Steelers (KOR)
Playoffs West - Al Karamah (Syria)/Al Wahda (UAE) v Churchill Brothers (India) Playoffs East - Singapore Armed Forces (Singapore)/SHB Da Nang (Vietnam) v Sriwijaya (Indonesia)/Muang Thong United (Thailand)