For a second consecutive AFC Champions League tie, Zobahan conceded early only to rebound in impressive style to secure victory.

Caio's 14th minute opener at Al Wasl Stadium wasn't quite as quick as the goal Al Nassr's Giuliano netted to put Zobahan behind on Matchday Two, but the Isfahan side needed just two minutes to restore parity through Christian Osaguona before adding further goals from Amir Motahari and Hamid Bou Hamdan.

A recent poor run that included a defeat to bitter rivals Persepolis was not the ideal preparation for a difficult-looking Group C clash against Saudi Arabia powerhouse Al Hilal, but Tehran giants Esteghlal rose to the occasion to secure a priceless win - their first of the 2019 edition - and stay in contention in the race for the Round 16.

Al Hilal had won both their previous two matches, while Esteghlal came into the tie bottom of Group A with just one point.

Esteghlal wasted no time in taking the game to their opponents. Ayanda Patosi’s cross from the left was met by the head of Esmael Goncalves inside 25 seconds, but the Bissau-Guinean failed to direct his effort towards goal.

Despite controlling two-thirds of possession throughout, the Qatari side were profligate in front of goal. Al Ain goalkeeper Khaled Eisa was on top form, helping his side limit the damage at the back while their front line took two of the three chances that came their way.

Al Duhail got off to a flying start with Edmilson forcing Eisa into a reflex save within just three minutes of the start. The Brazilian received a cross-field pass and cut inside onto his left before firing low, but Eisa dived to parry the ball away.

The Saudi side came into the encounter chasing their first points of the campaign, having lost both their first two matches, while Al Zawraa needed a win to end the first half of the group stage in top spot.

Coming off the back of their heaviest-ever AFC Champions League defeat, Al Wasl were looking to recover from their 5-0 humbling at the hands of Al Zawraa. Meanwhile, Zobahan looked to extend their unbeaten record this campaign to three games.

As the group stage gets set to reach its midway stage, the-AFC.com has picked out five things to look out for ahead of the Matchday Three fixtures.