Sekina began his professional career with his boyhood club in late 2013, and scored his first J.League goal later in May against Cerezo Osaka. Since his debut 'till 2017, the 24-year-old has assisted the Saitama-based club to runners-up finishes in the J.League in 2014 and 2016.

Down 2-1 from the first leg in Saitama Stadium, Urawa looked to face a tough task at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium where their hosts were yet to concede in the 2019 tournament and had won five in a row on the continent.

Moreover, Urawa hadn't won a knockout round match away from home since their first title-winning campaign in 2007.

Ewerton added a third late in the game as the 2007 and 2017 winners overturned a 2-1 first leg loss at Saitama Stadium 2002 to secure a remarkable comeback and become the second Japanese side to advance to the last eight, 24 hours after Kashima Antlers achieved the same feat.

The Portuguese coach, who took over from Andre Villas Boas ahead of the 2018 season and led the club to their first-ever title last season when they won the domestic championship, put his emotions on display as Shanghai advanced to the last eight for the third time in four seasons.

Oscar scored from the spot in the fifth round of penalties to take Shanghai through after a 1-1 draw on the night meant the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate and Pereira was overjoyed with his team’s success.

Urawa overcame a 2-1 first leg deficit to seal a 4-2 aggregate win over the club from Korea Republic, with Shinzo Koroki scoring twice for the Japanese side.

And with Ewerton adding a third two minutes from time, the 2007 and 2017 AFC Champions League winners advanced to the last eight of the competition for the fourth time in the club’s history after a superb display at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Kashima took a first half lead to double their aggregate advantage, but after the interval the game's momentum changed entirely as hosts Sanfrecce came roaring back.

Last year’s winners had a pair of goals from Shoma Doi to thank for their win on the away goals rule that ensured the game ended in a 3-3 draw at the end of the two legs, and Oiwa was happy Kashima will be in the draw for the last eight in Kuala Lumpur on July 2.

“The most important point about today’s game is that we are now through to the next round,” he said.

“I know everyone will have different views about all that transpired during the match, but I hope we can build on this and regroup for our next J.League game against Hiroshima, then the quarter-finals.”