Evergrande draws Al Ittihad in ACL quarters
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E-mail China.org.cn, June 15, 2012
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Guangzhou Evergrande have assembled a host of foreign and domestic stars, including China international Gao Lin, as the tournament debutants seek to win the AFC Champions League for the first time. |
Big spending Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande will face two-time Asian champions Al Ittihad in the pick of the games after the draw for the 2012 AFC Champions League quarterfinals was decided in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
"We are the debutants and are not in the mood to discriminate against any opponents because at this level you expect to get tougher opponents," said Evergrande President Liu Yongzhuo.
Marcello Lippi's side will make the trip to Saudi Arabia for the first leg on September 19, before hosting the return leg in early October.
Al Ittihad, who won the AFC Champions League title in 2004 and 2005, were the first team drawn out by former Al Hilal and Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohamed Al Deayea before tournament debutants Guangzhou were selected by ex-Manchester City and China midfielder Sun Jihai.
Three-time Iranian champions Sepahan, meanwhile, will take on Saudi League runners-up Al Ahli in a re-match from the Group Stage, former finalists Adelaide United from Australia are re-united with Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor, and K-League side Ulsan Hyundai were paired with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.
Quarter-final draw:
Al Ittihad v Guangzhou Evergrande
Sepahan v Al Ahli
Adelaide United v Bunyodkor
Ulsan Hyundai v Al Hilal
