A potential upset was averted in Shandong as the heavily favoured hosts trailed Hanoi T&T 1-0 at HT but three goals in the last 15 minutes including a strike from Graziano Pelle killed the visitors off and confirmed Shandong’s place in Group E alongside Gyeongnam FC.
In Japan Sanfreece Hiroshima were taken to extra-time and penalties by Thailand’s Chiangrai United before winning 4-3 on penalties.
There would be no such drama in Ulsan though as a Mix Diskerud 2nd half double in a 5-1 win would see the K-League team take the final spot in Group F.
Similarly it was as an easy win for Kashima Antlers as they made light work of the visit of Newcastle Jets, winning 4-1.
The finalized groups are below:
