2008 Asian Champions League: The Draw

The Melbourne Victory has been drawn in Group G, along with Chonburi FC (Thailand), Gamba Osaka (Japan) and the Chunnam Dragons (South Korea).

Adelaide United, meanwhile, have been drawn in Group E with Changchun Yatai (China), Pohang Steelers (South Korea) and Binh Duong (Vietnam).

Here’s who we’re up against, and how they made it to the Champions League:

• Chonburi FC won the 2007 Thailand Premier League to secure their spot at the Asian Champions League. It will be their first appearance at the Champions League.

• Gamba Osaka came 3rd in the J-League and failed to beat the Urawa Red Diamonds in the final of the 2006 Emperor’s Club, but that was enough to pave the way for them to compete in the Champions League.

• Chunnam Dragons have won the Korean FA Cup the last two years, knocking out the Pohang Steelers earlier this month. In the K-League, however, the Dragons have only managed to finish 8th this year.

If you haven’t read it yet, check out my previous post about how the Asian Champions League works.