Cagey affairs
If Matchday Three was a high scoring affair, the past week's action saw a more measured approach with seven of the 12 matches ending with the odd goal separating the sides, three of which finished in 1-0 wins while there was even a goalless draw.

The honour of the most dramatic victory went to Melbourne City FC, with Andrew Nabbout netting the decider in the fourth minute of time added on as the Australian side carved out a 2-1 win against Japan's FC Machida Zelvia.

Can Al Hilal better last season?
Al Hilal SFC made it four wins out of four with their 2-1 victory against Qatar's Al Gharafa SC and the four-time Asian champions are on course for a perfect League Stage campaign.

A 1-1 stalemate with Qatar's Al Sadd SC meant they finished the 2024/24 League Stage with seven wins and one draw and Al Hilal - who will confirm Round of 16 qualification if they are victorious in their next two matches - will want to go all the way to show their desire to lift the coveted trophy again.

Tight in the East
While a clear gap has opened up in the race for Round of 16 spots in the West Zone, it is much tighter in the East.

Only five points separate Vissel Kobe - who reclaimed the top spot with a 1-0 win against previous leaders Ulsan HD FC - from 11th placed Chengdu Rongcheng, assuring fans of exciting matches till the end of the League Stage.

How high can Al Ittihad soar?
Two consecutive wins have allayed the fears of Al Ittihad Club fans and the question now is can they sustain their revival?

The reigning Saudi Pro League champions certainly have the squad for it and their remaining matches are against the three Qatar clubs and bottom-placed PFC Nasaf.

All four teams are enduring tough campaigns and Al Ittihad will set themselves the target of taking maximum points.

Johor Darul Ta'zim, Melbourne back on track
Two successive wins mean Johor Darul Ta'zim and Melbourne City FC are very much back in the mix for Round of 16 spots.

Malaysia champions Johor Darul Ta'zim's 3-1 win against Shanghai Shenhua FC propelled them into second while another late goal saw Melbourne City stun FC Machida Zelvia.

As luck would have it, the teams clash on Matchday Five, with Melbourne City the hosts and it promises to be a cracker.