The final match day throws up a host of possible scenarios, so we have tried to narrow down the permutations for the Reds.
The final match day of the Group stage throws up a host of possibilities to how the standings on the table can end up, so we have tried to work out the permutations for the Reds heading into the May 16 deciders.
The Reds- place in the last 16 is already confirmed, but whether they finish top and host a Round of 16 encounter, or slip to second and have to play away against the winner of Group G, will all come down to the results on the final match day.
The last Group E matches to be held on May 16 will see Adelaide United travel to Japan to take on Gamba Osaka, while Bunyodkor will host the Pohang Steelers in Tashkent.
Currently Adelaide United leads Group E on 10 points, followed by the Pohang Steelers on nine, Bunyodkor on seven and Gamba Osaka on three, remembering that the top two from the group will progress to the knockout Round of 16.
Considering the table as it currently stands, the following are the possible permutations for the Reds…
If Adelaide United win, it will finish top of the group regardless of the result in the other game.
If Adelaide United draw – and Bunyodkor win, the Reds will remain top of the group.
If Adelaide United draw or lose – and Pohang win, the South Korean club will finish top and see the Reds slip to second.
If Adelaide United draw and the other game is also drawn, the Reds will finish top.
If Adelaide United lose – and Bunyodkor win, both teams will finish on ten points but the Reds will finish top thanks to a win and a draw against the Uzbek club in the Group Stage.
If Adelaide United lose and the other game is also a draw, Pohang and the Reds will finish on the same number of points. As the number of points and the goal difference from the teams- two Group Stage encounters is the same, it will come down to the overall goal difference to determine top spot.
The AFC Champions League regulations for determining final standings on the table are as follows…
If two teams happen to finish the Group Stage on the same number of points, the higher ranked team will not firstly be determined by overall goal difference, but rather the greater number of points obtained in the two matches between the two teams concerned.
If that does not determine it, then it will be on goal difference from the two teams concerned and then the greater number of goals scored in the respective two games. Bar this, it will then come down to the overall goal difference from the six matches played.
