Adelaide United will renew their rivalry with FC Bunyodkor after they were drawn to face the Uzbek champions in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.
The A-League club beat Bunyodkor, whose side includes Socceroo David Carney, in the semi-finals of the 2008 edition before losing the title decider to Japanese club Gamba Osaka.
If they win their quarter-final, John Kosmina’s men will then tackle either South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai or Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the semis.
In the other ties that were drawn at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, the Marcello Lippi-coached Guangzhou Evergrande of China have been handed a tough assignment against two-time winners Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.
The winner of the that showdown plays either Iranian champions Sepahan or Al Ittihad’s Saudi league rivals Al Ahli in the other semi-final.
The two-legged quarters in Asia’s premier club competition will be played on September 19 and then October 2 or 3.
Big-spending Chinese club Evergrande, who go to Jeddah in the first leg, are making their debut in the Champions League but are regarded as one of the favourites after investing heavily in their squad to secure a first Chinese title.
Lippi, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, replaced Korean Lee Jang-Soo as Guangzhou manager last month and duly led them to a 1-0 win over Japanese side FC Tokyo in the round of 16.
The club also recently paid a reported transfer fee of 12 million euros ($A15.13 million)) to sign Paraguayan striker Lucas Barrios from German champions Borussia Dortmund.
The 27-year-old will be eligible to play in the quarter-finals against the powerful Al Ittihad, the eight-time Saudi league champions.
The Saudi side also won back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005, reached the final in 2009 and were in last year’s semi-finals.
The Champions League winners qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, to be played in Japan in December.
Kasey
Guest
That's alright Stevo, I guess our pre-season games will just have a bit more bite to them. Its a bloody long shot, but I'd take another HAL wooden spoon if it meant Continental glory this time around. Imagine being the first Australian champions of Asia?? A lot of miracles would have to occur for that to be the Reds IMO. but I'd sacrifice a HAL season for that if I were to make the deals. I can't speak for every Reds fan of course.
Kasey
Guest
Love it! Like taking baby from a candy;)
dasilva
Guest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrS9OKEtXdU The spawning salmon video.
Stevo
Guest
Wish AU all the best but it's incredible that their quarter finals will run straigtht into the opening of HAL8. They'll either be buggered for the start of the season or they'll peak early and fade to finish last on the HAL ladder.
Bondy
Guest
Well Greg Griffin he has the right to dream and so do his supporters,I think other teams /nations in asia see Adelaide as a bogy side from Australia a potential threat with pedigree in the comp . I've enjoyed their run and I hope it continues.
SAMURAI
Roar Pro
I'm pretty sure that was the game Andy Harper covered himself in glory with that commentary! Will never ever forget that!
Kasey
Guest
Rem,ember it? I loved every minute of being at HHindmarash that night. IIRC watching the replay is where the " Spawning Salmon" made its first appearance. Can anybody confirm?
windsor
Guest
Remember 08 we spanked them 3-0.... what a night that began with a Cassio floater to the the Diego train to get one. Barbiero smashed one in from 4 meters (unlike vs grampus) then Cassio won a penalty rolling till he stopped on his back with a big double fist pump. Cannot wait till September 19 at Hindmarsh >>>>>>> Remember08
Kasey
Guest
At least it will be summer in the Stans this time instead of the Ice Station Zebra weather of last time. Well, we're still in it, so we're always a chance, COYR!
SAMURAI
Roar Pro
Again? Tashkent is now Adelaide's home away from home, confident they can get the result.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
This will make it something like the 5th and 6th times these clubs have clashed. Adelaide to Tashkent, the well trodden path. Who'd of thought it!