What is the AFC Champions League? Tournament format, fixtures and draw ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's debut

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualified for the AFC Champions League on Tuesday evening thanks to a 4-2 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in the play-offs.

It is the first time in three years Ronaldo's side have qualified for the tournament which pits teams from East and West Asia against each other. The 38-year-old forward is no stranger to continental competitions having competed in the lucrative UEFA Champions League throughout his career.

While AFC's edition of the Champions League is the equivalent of UEFA's competition, there are some subtle changes to European football. MEN Sport has taken a look at everything you need to know about the 2023/24 AFC Champions League.

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ALSO READ: Ronaldo involved in half-time spat amid Al-Nassr drama

In short, 40 teams from across Asia have qualified for the group stages of the competition. These teams have been split down the middle into East and West Asia sections.

East and West Asia teams will not face each other until the final. Each section of the draw has been split into four pots consisting of five clubs.

Like the UEFA Champions League, the groups will be made up of one team from each of pots one, two, three and four. This means, no team from the same pot can be in the same group.

DAZN subscribers will be able to watch three matches per week from the ever growing Saudi Pro League, featuring some the biggest names in world football. DAZN will also be showing every minute of Al-Nassr's games which will bring fans front row seats to Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool legend, Sadio Mané.

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