2018 AFC Champions League draw completed

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The draw for next year's AFC Champions League group stage was held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Two-time champions Guangzhou Evergrande of China find themselves in Group G where they will face Jeju United from South Korea and Buriram United of Thailand, plus a Japanese side that is yet to be decided.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, who lost to the Urawa Red Diamonds in this year's final, will start their campaign in the West Zone's Group D where they will be up against Esteghlal from Iran, Qatar's Al Rayyan, and a play-off winner.

Guangzhou Evergrande in Group G. /VCG Photo

Given the ongoing political standoff between Saudia Arabia and Qatar, it remains to be seen if Al-Hilal's home matches against Al Rayyan will be played in Riyadh. The matches between Al Hilal and Esteghlal will be played in neutral venues.

In the East Zone, Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, who are J League champions for the first time in their history, will be in Group F, alongside South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai and Melbourne Victory of Australia.

Chinese FA Cup winner Shanghai Shenhua was drawn into a difficult Group H with Sydney, Kashima Antlers of Japan, and a play-off team, probably Suwon Bluewings from South Korea. Another two Chinese teams, Shanghai SIPG and Tianjin Quanjian are hopeful to enter the group stage through the playoffs.