Changwon: A battle of the debutants is set to take place between Gyeongnam FC and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) on Wednesday, with the winners potentially claiming a place in the Round of 16 depending on results in the Kashima Antlers - Shandong Luneng tie.
For Gyeongnam FC of Korea Republic and Malaysia's JDT it can be said that their maiden AFC Champions League campaigns have already been a successful experience.
The two sides have registered first ever wins in the Continental competition - both of which were over the defending champions - and have convincingly shown they have been able to make the step up to compete with Asia's elite.
On Matchday Six, they have the potential to make a good campaign a great one with a chance to grab a place in the knockout stage.
Whomever emerges from Changwon Football Center victorious could leapfrog Kashima Antlers into second place should the J.League side lose to Group E winners Shandong Luneng.
The two sides shared a 1-1 draw on Matchday Two, but current form would seem to favour JDT. The Malaysians are top of their domestic championship, on a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions, and remain on a high after their historic Matchday Five win over Kashima.
Gyeongnam, by contrast, have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions and are just two teams off the bottom in the Korean top flight.
Source: the-afc.com