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Ulsan Hyundai FC will begin their Group F title defense following the conclusion of the 2021 AFC Champions League draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday.
The 2021 AFC Champions League will see 40 teams in the group stage, an increase of eight, with an additional group each in the east and west zones.
Ulsan Hyundai of the Republic of Korea, who defeated Persepolis FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the 2020 final to lift the AFC Champions League trophy for the second time, will have BG Pathum United of Thailand, Viettel FC Vietnam and a playoff winner for the company in Group F.
Persepolis, also runners-up in 2018, faced Al Rayyan of Qatar, FC Goa of India and the playoff winner in Group E.
The draw, conducted virtually and broadcast live, saw 2019 champion Al Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia, Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates, FC Istiklol of Tajikistan and a playoff winner in Group A.
Group B includes Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates, Tractor FC of Iran, Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan and a playoff winner, while Group C will see Al Duhail SC of Qatar, Al Ahli Saudi of Saudi Arabia, Esteghlal of Iran and Al Shorta of Iraq competing to advance to the round of 16.
Qatar’s Al Sadd SC, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, Jordan’s Al Wehdat and a playoff winner were selected in Group D.
Group G consists of Jiangsu FC of China, Nagoya Grampus of Japan, Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia and one postseason winner.
Two-time winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of the Republic of Korea, Gamba Osaka of Japan, Tampines Rovers of Singapore and Sydney FC of Australia were tied in Group H with Kawasaki Frontale of Japan, Guangzhou FC of China two-time champions, the United City FC of the Philippines and a tiebreaker. winner of Group I teams.
Shandong Luneng FC of China, Port FC of Thailand, Kitchee SC of Hong Kong and a playoff winner were selected in Pool J to complete the East Zone section of the draw.
The 2021 AFC Champions League kicks off with the preliminary phase on April 7 and the group phase, which starts on April 14, will be played at centralized venues.
