Cerezo’s 0-0 draw with Kitchee in their final Group J match ensured the J-League side finished on top of the standings and progress to the knockout rounds of the competition for the third time in the club’s history and for the first time since 2014.

Needing a win on the night to advance as one of the best three runners-up, the Japanese side fell behind almost instantly to Gustavo’s successful penalty but levelled just after time thanks to a thumping volley from Patric.

Patric’s strike was one of nine Gamba shots at goal in the second half and it came after the Brazilian forward himself had squandered earlier opportunities, all of which came back to haunt Matsunami’s side when Jeonbuk substitute Modou Barrow scored the match-winning goal in the 88th minute.

An evenly matched first half saw the two sides go into the break level after Tampines Rovers goalkeeper Zulfairuz Rudy saved Bill’s penalty. Fitness favoured Chiangrai United as they produced three goals in the final 15 minutes to settle the tie.

With both sides having been eliminated prior to the game, the result meant the Thai side finished the group in third place with eight points; a three-point and one place improvement from their campaign last year, while Tampines Rovers bowed out in fourth place with no points on their debut in the competition.

With both teams assured of their places in the Round of 16 following results in other groups, Ulsan head into the match with a perfect 15 points on the board, with BG Pathum United three behind.

The Thai League side will need to win by three clear goals if they are overtake the defending champions for pole position while Ulsan only need to avoid defeat.

Both have already been eliminated from Round of 16 contention with Viettel the better placed with three points while Kaya of the Philippines head into the match having suffered five defeats, including a 5-0 loss to Sunday's Vietnamese opponents in the corresponding fixture.

The reigning J1 League champions won each of their past five games and one more victory could make them the first side to collect all 18 points in the AFC Champions League group stage since Qatar’s Al Duhail SC in 2018, and the first in East zone since their compatriots Kashima Antlers all the way back in 2010.

Defending champions Ulsan Hyundai FC will also match the feat if they defeat Thailand's GH Pathum United in their final Group F match on Sunday.

With nine points from five matches, Daegu now have a clear picture of what is required to advance to the last 16 for the first time, with a win to guarantee their progression, while a draw or defeat will bring their campaign to an abrupt end.