The eight teams will know their quarterfinal opponents in Friday’s draw at 15:00 (UTC+8) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors joined defending champions Ulsan Hyundai FC and Japan’s Nagoya Grampus in the East quarterfinals.
Pohang defeated Japan’s Cerezo Osaka 1-0 on Wednesday, while Jeonbuk saw off the challenge of BG Pathum United through a 4-2 penalty shootout win after the match ended 1-1 after extra-time.
Ulsan Hyundai, seeking to lift the AFC Champions League trophy for a third time, defeated Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 on penalties after their Round of 16 tie ended 0-0 after extra time on Tuesday
Nagoya Grampus impressed in their win over South Korea’s Daegu FC as a hattrick from Jakub Swierczok saw them come from behind twice to walk away with a 4-2 score.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC, the 2019 champions, were the first team from the West to book their quarter-final ticket with a 2-0 win over Iran’s Esteghlal FC on Monday.
Joining them in the last eight were fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who edged Iran’s Tractor FC 1-0 on Tuesday.
Al Wahda FSCC also advanced after a hard-fought 5-4 win on penalties against fellow UAE Pro League side Sharjah FC, with the tie ending 1-1 after extra time.
Persepolis FC, runners-up in 2018 and 2020, impressed in a 1-0 win over debutants FC Istiklol of Tajikistan with the Iran champions overcoming partisan support to advance.