Advantage Guangzhou after first leg

Chinese Super League champion Guangzhou Evergrande edged closer to clinching a second AFC Champions League title in three years after claiming a goaless draw in Saturday's final first leg against Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates at Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

Guangzhou enjoyed the better of the chances through captain Zheng Zhi and substitute Yu Hanchao, while midfielder Huang Bowen struck the underside of the crossbar at the start of the second half for the visiting side.

Following this month's international break for the second round of joint qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Guangzhou will welcome Al Ahli to Tianhe Sport Centre on Nov 21 looking to add to its 2013 AFC Champions League success.