The majority of Matchday 8 matches were decided on Tuesday night, with only two games remaining in the AFC Champions League Elite League stage: City vs. Gangwon Province and Ulsan HD vs. Shanghai Port.

After a dramatic continental tour that included memorable away wins and important results across Asia, City go into the final day braced for a finish somewhere between third and fifth, with three opponents awaiting them in the Round of 16.

The Round of 16 fixtures remain locked in the East, meaning City will face another East-based opponent in the next phase. However, starting in the quarterfinals, each club will be able to play against a team from the West Region, further increasing the possibility of a matchup later in the competition.

There are also important incentives attached to the ladder position. The teams in the top four will play the second leg, while the teams in fifth to eighth place will play the first leg at home. Two Round of 16 matches will be played on March 3rd and 4th and March 10th and 11th.

So what does the result of tonight’s game against Gangwon mean? Here’s how the permutations play out.

If we win tonight

Round 16: City (3) v Johor Darul Ta’zim/Ulsan HD (6)

A win against Gangwon would move City into third place in the standings and ensure a draw at home in the second leg of the round of 16.

Currently, Johor Darul Ta’zim is in 6th place and will emerge as a strong opponent for us. However, this may change depending on the results of the remaining matches.

If Ulsan HD, who City lost away to last week, wins by at least three points over Shanghai Port, they will jump over Johor on goal difference and face City in the Round of 16 instead.

scoring draw

B16: City (4) v Buriram United (5)

A goal and a draw would almost certainly see City move ahead of Buriram and finish fourth.

In the event of a 1-1 draw, both teams would be tied on points, goal difference and goals scored, with City holding the advantage. fair play tie breakerExcept for a very card-heavy night against Gangwon.

In case of a 2-2 draw or better, City will advance on points.

scoreless draw

B16: Buriram United (4) v City (5)

A 0-0 draw would leave City and Buriram United tied on 14 points. However, with Buriram holding the points advantage, City will be fifth, with the first leg to be played at home and the second leg away.

The difference is important even if the Round of 16 fixture remains City vs. Buriram. In the event of a goalless draw, City can host the second leg, but not in the event of a goalless draw.

loss

B16: Buriram United (4) v City (5)

Simply put, the loss will not change their place and City will finish fifth and face Buriram in the Round of 16 in the first leg at home.