Frontale will be appearing in the quarter-finals for only the fourth time but will be confident of their chances after enjoying a smooth passage on the continental stage.

They finished second in the League Stage with 15 points, three behind fellow Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.

Frontale showed their strength in the Round of 16 as well, overcoming a 1-0 first leg defeat to beat Shanghai Shenhua FC of China PR 4-1 on aggregate.

While Al Sadd are basking in glory, Frontale are also in good form as they are well placed to challenge for the J1 League title as they sit only three points behind pacesetters Kyoto Sanga.