Al Gharafa couldn't have asked for tougher opening round opponents as they faced Al Hilal SFC away, with the four-time Asian champions walking away with a 2-1 win.

While the final score suggested a tight contest, it was anything but as Al Gharafa only had slightly more than 31 percent possession and three shots on target.

They will need to be more imposing and sharper against an Esteghlal side who will be aiming for another three points.

Esteghlal turned on the style in their opener, cruising to a 3-0 win against former AFC Champions League™ winners Al Sadd SC and will be fired up to deliver another impressive performance.