Sepahan are the only team from Islamic Republic of Iran who advanced from the group stage and will have to be at their best against an Al Hilal side determined to make up for losing in last season’s final.

Sepahan had to work hard to confirm their knockout stage spot, with the Isfahan-based side finishing second in Group C.

Their haul of 10 points saw them finishing five behind Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad but it was enough for the 2007 runners-up to advance as one of the three best second-placed teams.

Al Hilal will be confident of their chances of not only advancing to the quarter-finals but also picking up a third AFC Champions League title.

They have been firing on all cylinders on the domestic and continental fronts and Sepahan can expect a tough test from one of Asian club football’s giants.