In a rematch of the 2005 final, Al Ain will take on Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League following Wednesday’s draw in Kuala Lumpur.
On that occasion, Al Ittihad defeated Al Ain 5-3 on aggregate to become the first and only side to defend the Asian title. Two years prior, Al Ain won their solitary Champions League trophy with a 3-0 aggregate victory over Thai club BEC Tero Sasana.
Al Ain reached the last-eight after eliminating UAE rivals Al Jazira 4-2 over two legs, while Ittihad defeated Saudi rivals Al Shabab 4-1.
The first leg will be held at Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on August 19 before Al Ittihad host the return fixture at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on August 26.
Traditionally power-houses of their respective leagues, both Al Ain and Al Ittihad have endured frustrating domestic campaigns.
Eight-time Saudi champions Ittihad finished their league season in seventh place while 11-time UAE winners Al Ain ended the Arabian Gulf League in sixth. However, a late season flourish from Al Ain resulted in the club lifting the President’s Cup to ensure entry into next season’s Champions League.
The other pairing in the west side of the draw sees Qatar's Al Sadd, who won the tournament in 2011 and boast the great Raul Gonzalez in their attack, come up against another Saudi club, Al Hilal.
Elsewhere, reigning champions Guangzhou Evergrande were drawn against Australian newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers as they bid to become only the second team to retain the trophy.
The Chinese champions received what appeared a kindly draw against the Wanderers, who have been the tournament's surprise package in their run to the last eight on debut.
The other eastern zone tie pitches last year's runners-up FC Seoul into a daunting derby clash against Korean double winners Pohang Steelers.
The west and east regions are kept apart until the final, meaning Guangzhou or Western Sydney will meet Seoul or Pohang in the semis, while Al Ain or Al Ittihad will face Al Sadd or Al Hilal in the other side.
The final will be played over two legs on October 25 and November 1, with the second leg to be hosted by the western team.
FULL DRAW
West Asia Zone
Al Hilal v Al Sadd
Al Ain v Al Ittihad
East Asia Zone
Pohang Steelers v FC Seoul
Western Sydney Wanderers v Guangzhou Evergrande
