“I was injured a lot last year and this year, I’ve been able to play two games. I’m only able to play (in the AFC Champions League Elite) because my teammates did all the work last year to get us to this stage and I wanted to return the favour for their hard work.”

Hotaka Nakamura dedicated his goal to his FC Machida Zelvia teammates, with the Japanese side advancing to the quarter-finals in their debut appearance.

“Gangwon were able to pass the League Stage with good results and achieved our first objective. This has been a good experience for everyone in the club. We are honoured to be part of the competition and we’re proud to achieve what we have.”

Head coach Chung Kyung-ho was proud of his Gangwon FC side, with the Korea Republic side also making their continental debut.

“The supporters have been amazing since the day I arrived and they were incredible again against Melbourne City. When we went down to 10 players early in the game, they became the 11th player on the pitch and pushed us all the way from start to finish.”

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge applauded the fans for their role in Buriram United's penalty shootout win against Melbourne City FC.

“I know it will be tough for the players but reaching the Round of 16 is a significant achievement for our team. I’m very proud of the way they fought throughout the tournament even if the result didn’t go our way tonight.”

Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar saw no reason to fault his players following the heartbreaking defeat.

"I was determined to score as I wanted to prove that Kobe are a strong team."

Yuya Osako was delighted to have scored the game-changing goal for Vissel Kobe in their win against FC Seoul.

“Even after conceding, I still believed we could fight for the next goal. Unfortunately, we made a big mistake, and the consequences were too costly."

FC Seoul head coach Kim Gi-dong admitted that his side paid a heavy price for their lapses in concentration.

“We have made history – a Malaysian club is reaching the knockout stage, which is something very positive. There are still things we can improve, but I’m very happy, the club showed it can compete at a high level."

Head coach Xisco Munoz was ecstatic after Johor Darul Ta'zim sealed quarter-final qualification for the first time.

“Both the team and I feel angry and disappointed because we invested a lot into this tie.”

Sanfrecce Hiroshima head coach Bartosch Gaul did not hide his disappointment after the Japanese side failed to overturn their first leg deficit.