2009 AFC Champions League - Group Stage

Group Stage

The draw for the group stage was held on January 7, 2009 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Each club plays double round-robin (home and away) against fellow three group members, a total of 6 matches each. Each team had been numbered from 1 to 4, the numbers determine the order of the fixtures.

• Match Day 1: 1 vs 4, 3 vs 2
• Match Day 2: 2 vs 1, 4 vs 3
• Match Day 3: 1 vs 3, 4 vs 2
• Match Day 4: 3 vs 1, 2 vs 4
• Match Day 5: 4 vs 1, 2 vs 3
• Match Day 6: 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4

Clubs receive 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss. The clubs are ranked according to points and tie breakers are in following order:

1. Greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
2. Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned; (Away goals do not apply)
3. Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned; (Away goals do not apply)
4. Goal difference in all the group matches;
5. Greater number of goals scored in all the group matches;
6. Kicks from the penalty mark if only two teams are involved and they are both on the field of play;
7. Fewer score calculated according to the number of yellow and red cards received in the group matches; (1 point for each yellow card, 3 points for each red card as a consequence of two yellow cards, 3 points for each direct red card, 4 points for each yellow card followed by a direct red card)
8. Drawing of lots.

Winners and runners-up of each group will qualify for the next round.