Format
- Group Stage
A total of 28 clubs are divided into 7 groups of four, based on region i.e. East Asian and Southeast Asian clubs are drawn in Group E to F, while rest are grouped in Group A to D. Each club plays double round-robin (home and away) against fellow three group members, a total of 6 matches each. Clubs receive 3pts for a win, 1pt for a tie, 0pts for a loss. The clubs are ranked according to points and tie breakers are in following order:
- Points earned between the clubs in question
- Goal Differential between the clubs in question
- Points earned within the group
- Goal Differential within the group
- Goal For within the group
The seven group winners along with the defending champions qualifies to the quarter-finals.
- Knockout Round
All 8 clubs are randomly matched; however, the only restriction is that the clubs from same country cannot face each other in the quarterfinals. The games are conduced in 2 legs, home and away, and the aggregates goals decides the match winner. If the aggregate goals cannot produce an winner, away goal rules in used. If still tied, clubs play extra time, where away goal rule still applies. If stilled tied, the game goes to penalties.
Read more about this topic: 2007 AFC Champions League