The result of AFC Champions League Group Stage Draw has been revealed.
The West Zone see four former champions, namely Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Ittihad, Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar’s Al Sadd SC attempt to reclaim the Continental throne.
Mumbai City FC is pipped in the same group as Neymar's Al-Hilal. That means Neymar will be traveling to India to play against Mumbai City FC soon.
On their first try, in 2022, Mumbai City became the first Indian club to win a match in the AFC Champions League, beating Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 2–1.
Mumbai City won the League Winner’s Shield for the 2022-23 Indian Super League season and then defeated last season’s champion Jamshedpur FC in a play-off to be in the continent’s premier club tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr have been placed in Group E while fellow Saudi club Al-Ittihad, who boast French Ballon d’Or holder Benzema and Kante in their ranks, are in Group C.
Reigning ACL champions Urawa Red Diamonds, meanwhile, are in Group J belonging to the East Zone.
Marking the first instance of the AFC Club Competitions calendar shifting from its current Spring-Autumn season to an Autumn-Spring calendar, the 21st edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s flagship club competition will take place from September 2023 to May 2024.