Al Hilal show steely resolve
Al Hilal SFC's bid for the title ended at the semi-final stage last season but the four-time Asian champions are showing early promise that they can go all the way.

Three wins on the trot leaves them as they only side with a perfect record and what has made their victories even more impressive is the ability to secure results even when facing teams who pack their defences.

No opponent has been underestimated and if Al Hilal can maintain this determined approach, it will be hard to stop them.

Gangwon prove their worth
Gangwon FC showed naivety and desire in their stunning 4-3 win against Vissel Kobe, with the defeat ending the Japanese side's perfect start to the competition.

Tournament debutants Gangwon looked to have wrapped up the points after racing to a 3-0 lead by the 43rd minute but their inexperience on the continental stage showed as Vissel fought back to draw level.

The Korea Republic side, however, refused to be cowed and snatched victory in stoppage time in what will surely go down as a tournament classic.

Tough times for Qatar sides
All three clubs from Qatar suffered defeats, leaving them eighth, ninth and 10th in the West Zone standings.

Al Gharafa SC were beaten 4-0 by defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC while Al Sadd SC and Al Duhail SC suffered 3-1 defeats against Al Hilal and Al Wahda FC respectively.

With the League Stage approaching the midway point, the three need to turn their campaigns around if Qatar is to have representatives in the knockout stage.

Ulsan rediscovering mojo
Having only managed three points last season, Ulsan HD FC have already more than doubled their haul with the seven points collected giving them a one-point lead at the top of the East Zone standings.

It has been a tough season for the Korea Republic side, who have already seen Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors reclaiming the domestic title, but their form on the continent will give the two-time Asian champions hope that better times are ahead.

Better weeks ahead for Shanghai Port?
It won't be wrong to say that Shanghai Port FC will be glad that they don't have to face Japanese opposition in their remaining five League Stage matches.

The China PR champions only managed a single point from their clashes against Vissel Kobe, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and FC Machida Zelvia.

In the driver's seat to retain the Chinese Super League title, Shanghai Port's quality is undeniable but they need to start scoring on the continental stage - having managed just one goal in their three outings.

They only managed one shot on target against Machida on Tuesday, two against Sanfrecce and three against Vissel Kobe, and this aspect of their game has to see rapid improvement if Shanghai Port hope to bounce back in their remaining matches.